A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns can also improve the strength or appearance of teeth. Crowns are needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth, when a tooth has broken or when a tooth has had a root canal. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials including gold, full porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. The process is fairly simple. Dr. Michel numbs the tooth/teeth to be prepped. He then preps the area, an impression is taken and a temporary crown is placed on the tooth. In approximately 3 weeks the lab fabricates the permanent crown which is then cemented.