A tooth may require a crown for strength when it is very heavily filled or fractured or following root canal treatment. Teeth may also be crowned to improve their appearance. A crown is specifically made in the lab to fit your own individual tooth. In order to do this, the tooth is reduced on all sides. This is usually done under local anaesthetic and though it is a relatively painless procedure, it needs to be extremely precise. A shade is picked so the crown will match up with your natural teeth. An impression is then taken of the prepared tooth and sent to the lab and a temporary crown is made and fitted while the final crown is being made. When the final crown is checked and ready to be fitted, it is permanently cemented in place.