What does a crown restore?
On a natural tooth, an artificial crown covers the prepared outer tooth tissue. The natural root remains in the jaw; a crown on an implant has a different foundation.
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Does your own tooth remain beneath a crown?
An artificial dental crown restores severely damaged tooth tissue and covers the prepared tooth. Its natural root remains in place. A crown can also be attached to an implant, which is a different starting point.
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Your own tooth remains the foundation
For a crown on a natural tooth, the existing tooth tissue is prepared. The tooth root remains in the jaw.
The crown restores form and function
The individually made crown is attached to the prepared tooth. Its fit, contacts and bite are checked.
The crown margin needs care
A crowned tooth can still develop decay. The junction between crown and tooth especially needs careful cleaning and regular checks.
At a glance
When might it be suitable?
More extensive damage to tooth tissue may be a reason for a crown. Suitability and material choice depend on factors including the remaining tooth and the forces it bears.
What does treatment involve?
After planning and preparation, the individually made crown is attached and the bite is checked. Afterwards, the junctions with the tooth especially need cleaning and check-ups.
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Often confused
Crown or implant?
A crown forms the visible restoration. An implant replaces the root in the jaw. An artificial crown can be supported by either a natural tooth or an implant.
Quick answers
Does a crown always mean root canal treatment?
No. A crown replaces damaged outer tooth tissue. Whether the inside of the tooth needs treatment is a separate question determined by the findings.
Are all crowns made from the same material?
No. Options include ceramic and metal-containing crowns. The choice considers the tooth's condition, the forces it bears and personal preferences.
What is the natural crown of a tooth?
This is the enamel-covered part of your own tooth. An artificial crown is a restoration made as part of dental treatment.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
How can the remaining tooth tissue, bite and preferred tooth shape be considered when planning a crown?
Her curriculum-based training in aesthetic dentistry adds considerations of shape and colour to preserving teeth and function.
The suitable restoration depends on the remaining tooth tissue and the findings.
Discuss a restoration for your toothChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- Tooth preparation
- The deliberate preparation of a tooth for a restoration, including the shaping needed for a crown.
- Remaining tooth tissue
- Natural hard tooth tissue that remains after existing damage and preparation.
- Crown margin
- The edge of the artificial crown where it meets the prepared tooth.
Know the difference
A crown on a natural tooth covers the prepared remaining tooth. An implant crown is instead supported by an artificial tooth root.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 22 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.