What is a Dental Crown?
An oral restoration called a dental crown, also referred to as a cap, covers or "caps" a tooth to restore its appearance, size, and shape.
A damaged or decayed tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted and replaced may benefit from a dental crown in terms of its strength, functionality, and appearance.
Dental crowns can also be used cosmetically to cover crooked or discoloured teeth and enhance the overall look of your smile.
Because they are frequently made of porcelain, which fortifies and strengthens the remaining tooth structure, crowns are very durable.
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 the tooth and remove a portion of the tooth's outer layer in order to prepare it. A temporary crown will then be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while an impression of the prepared tooth and the neighbouring teeth is taken.To make it simple to remove when the permanent crown is prepared, the temporary crown is affixed using temporary cement.
Your dental office will send your unique tooth impression to a dental laboratory to make your permanent crown, which may take several weeks.
The lab technician can create a crown specifically for you after carefully examining every aspect of your bite and jaw movements using your impression.A crown that matches the colour of the rest of your teeth will be made by the technician with the assistance of your dentist, who will also make sure to ascertain the shade of your teeth.
The Second Appointment
You'll schedule the second appointment at your dentist's office after the crown is finished. The permanent crown will be placed on your tooth during this appointment after your dentist removes the temporary one.
Prior to being permanently cemented onto the tooth, the temporary crown is positioned there and checked for proper fit, bite, and margins. The crown is attached with dental glue or permanent cement after any necessary adjustments have been made.
Caring for a Dental Crown
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years if properly cared for. Because they are still vulnerable to damage, it is critical to exercise caution when brushing and flossing around crowned teeth to avoid premature replacement.