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A crown is a cover or âcapâ your dentist can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. You may need a crown if you:
Your dentist may recommend a crown to: 1  Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining. 2  Protect a weak tooth from fracturing. 3  Restore a fractured tooth. 4  Attach a bridge. 5  Cover a dental implant. 6  Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth. 7  Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.