Dental crown is a method of treating damaged or decayed. The process involves fixing artificial teeth in place of lost teeth. Dental crowns look like natural teeth. Crowns are fixed on existing teeth or on implants and it simply acts as a protective cover for the tooth and it is also called as cap. This article discusses dental crown: procedutre, types and care to be taken.
Why you need a dental crown?
You might need dental crown in following situations:
Procedure for a Dental Crown
Firstly anesthesia is given to numb the tooth. If the tooth is root canal treated, it require a filling that restores the tooth for holding the crown. Shaping of tooth is done to make space for the crown followed by taking impression of the tooth. Then the dentist will check the shade of the patients teeth so that the crown to be made matches the color of teeth which is then send to lab.
Meanwhile, temporary crown is fixed with temporary cement so that when permanent crown is ready it comes out easily. Dentist may then call the patient for the second visit for fixing permanent crown. The permanent crown is fixed with permanent cement.
Types of dental crown
Stainless steel crowns: These crowns are often made to fix on primary tooth. Tooth is covered by the crown to prevent it from further decay. When primary tooth falls to give space for permanent tooth, crown also comes out with it. These crowns are used for children so that they need not visit dentist frequently.
Metal crowns: For covering the tooth with metal crown, only a small structure is removed comparatively with other crowns. It has ability to chew and bite hard. It has long lasting quality and they hardly break. The only drawback of this crown is its color. It doesn't go with other teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal crown: This crown looks like natural teeth and are mostly used on front teeth. Much care is needed for this crown as it breaks easily. It is visible as a dark line at the end of gum line and is easily seen when your gums recede.
All resin: These crowns are inexpensive as compared with other crowns. They are, however, more likely to be fractured and worn over a period of time.
All ceramic and all porcelain: These dental crowns matches well with teeth color. They are not durable and breaks off easily. All ceramic crowns are often used for front teeth.
Care for the dental crown
Why you need a dental crown?
You might need dental crown in following situations:
- To cover the fractured or cracked tooth.
- A tooth that has large filling can be covered with a dental crown.
- Dental implants are also finally covered by crowns.
- To give a modified look to the teeth.
- To keep the bridges in place, dental crowns are used.
Procedure for a Dental Crown
Firstly anesthesia is given to numb the tooth. If the tooth is root canal treated, it require a filling that restores the tooth for holding the crown. Shaping of tooth is done to make space for the crown followed by taking impression of the tooth. Then the dentist will check the shade of the patients teeth so that the crown to be made matches the color of teeth which is then send to lab.
Meanwhile, temporary crown is fixed with temporary cement so that when permanent crown is ready it comes out easily. Dentist may then call the patient for the second visit for fixing permanent crown. The permanent crown is fixed with permanent cement.
Types of dental crown
Stainless steel crowns: These crowns are often made to fix on primary tooth. Tooth is covered by the crown to prevent it from further decay. When primary tooth falls to give space for permanent tooth, crown also comes out with it. These crowns are used for children so that they need not visit dentist frequently.
Metal crowns: For covering the tooth with metal crown, only a small structure is removed comparatively with other crowns. It has ability to chew and bite hard. It has long lasting quality and they hardly break. The only drawback of this crown is its color. It doesn't go with other teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal crown: This crown looks like natural teeth and are mostly used on front teeth. Much care is needed for this crown as it breaks easily. It is visible as a dark line at the end of gum line and is easily seen when your gums recede.
All resin: These crowns are inexpensive as compared with other crowns. They are, however, more likely to be fractured and worn over a period of time.
All ceramic and all porcelain: These dental crowns matches well with teeth color. They are not durable and breaks off easily. All ceramic crowns are often used for front teeth.
Care for the dental crown
- Take soft diet for as many days as advised by dentist after the crown is fixed.
- There is a possibility of the crown coming off by sticky or chewy food, so avoid such foods.
- Chew hard food from the opposite side in your mouth.
- Care must be taken while flossing as there is a chance of the crown pulling out.
Dental crown is a procedure meant to bring strength and cosmetic appearance. But, it is expensive.
