A dental crown is a custom-made cap in the shape of a tooth and is placed over a tooth for cosmetic enhancement and protection. The main function of dental crown is to restore the size, strength, and shape of a tooth in order to improve its overall function and appearance.
A dental crown is required for the following reasons:
- To cover the dental implant.
- To cover the tooth with a large filling.
- To restore a cracked chipped or worn-out tooth.
- To support a dental bridge.
- To protect a weak tooth and
- To cover discolored or misshaped teeth.
There are many different types of dental crowns available in the market depending upon the people’s needs and budget. The materials which are used for making permanent caps are resin, metal, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.
- Gold crowns – They are the most long-lasting types available in the market. They rarely break or chip and also causes minimum wear to adjacent teeth. These crowns are best suited for molars because of their distinctive gold color.
- Porcelain fused to metal crowns – They are the most popular out of all as they can be color matched to your teeth and also they are very strong. Sometimes, due to overuse, it can break or chip, and they might also cause wear to the opposing teeth than metal crowns.
- Porcelain or ceramic crowns – They are not as strong as porcelain to metal fused crowns, but they provide the best color match of your teeth. So this is why dentists recommend this type for the front teeth.
You will require at least 2 visits to your dentist in order to prepare for your crowns. The first visit is for examining and preparing the tooth and the next appointment is for placing the crown. During your initial visit to the dentist, he/she may take x-rays in order to examine the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone to ensure there is no risk of infection. A local anesthetic will be given to numb the area to make room for the crown before filling the tooth.
The dentist will then make an impression of the tooth with putty or paste after the tooth is prepared. The impression will be the model of for your crown which will be made during the next 2-3 weeks. This is done in the dental laboratory. In the meanwhile, your tooth will be fixed with a temporary crown in order to protect the prepared tooth. At the next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and the permanent crown will be permanent. This is then cemented into place if the color and fit is suitable.