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What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a type of dental restoration that covers (or 'caps') a tooth to restore its shape, size, and colour.
Dental crowns can help to improve the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted and replaced.
Additionally, dental crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as covering an uneven or discoloured tooth and improving the overall appearance of your smile.
Crowns are quite strong because they are frequently made of porcelain, a material that protects and strengthens the remaining tooth structure.
The Crown Procedure
To place a dental crown generally requires at least two appointments at your dental office. Once your dentist determines you need a crown, here's what you can expect at each appointment.
The First Appointment
In order to prepare for a crown, your dentist will first examine your mouth and then prepare the tooth.
Your dentist will file down and remove some of the tooth's outer layer to prepare it. They will then take an impression of the trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth, and a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it.Temporary cement is used to secure the temporary crown so that it can be easily removed when the permanent crown is ready.
Your dental office will send your unique tooth impression to a dental laboratory to make your permanent crown, which may take several weeks.
The laboratory technician can examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements using your impression and sculpt a crown especially for you.Your dentist will also determine the shade of your teeth in order to assist the technician in creating a crown that matches the colour of the rest of your teeth.
The Second Appointment
You'll make a second appointment at your dentist's office after the crown is finished. Your dentist will put the permanent crown on your tooth and remove the temporary one during this appointment.
First, the permanent crown is applied to the tooth and checked for a good fit, a good bite, and smooth margins. The crown is anchored with dental glue or permanent cement following any necessary adjustments.
Caring for a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years with the right maintenance. To avoid having to replace them too soon, it's critical to be careful when brushing and flossing around crowned teeth because they are still vulnerable to damage.