A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth's surface. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and gold. They are used to restore the shape, strength, and appearance of a tooth that has been damaged or decayed.
Crowns are often used to protect a tooth that has been weakened by a large filling. They can also be used to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth. In some cases, crowns are used to hold a dental bridge in place.