A dental crown is a tooth-colored cap. When placed on top of a tooth, it covers it, so any damage is hidden. People get a dental crown when they need to: Protect a tooth that is weak from decay or a crack. Restore a broken tooth or a tooth that’s been worn down because of teeth grinding. Support a tooth that has a large filling on it. Hold a dental bridge securely. Hide a discolored or misshaped tooth. People who have dental implants or a root canal often use dental crowns to hide them.