What is a Dental Crown? - idealmedhealth

What is a Dental Crown? In modern dentistry, a dental crown is an artificial tooth designed to cover a misshapen or damaged tooth or dental implant.

According to the oral health foundation, a dental crown is sometimes called a “cap” that fits over the site of the original tooth.

They are used to protect and cover the shape of a tooth when fillings aren’t enough. Laboratory technicians manufacture the dental crowns from the impressions your dentist creates from your teeth.

By visiting Park crossing dentistry, you’ll find the best dental crowns for your weakened tooth or dental implant.

A dental crown placement procedure is usually completed in a dental appointment with your dentist; however, a previous visit is required to take the necessary impressions.

Over several years, teeth can get damaged for several reasons, such as tooth decay, cavities, and fractures which can lead to the deterioration of the shape and size of your teeth.

A dental crown is a great solution that can restore the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your original tooth.

Reasons Why a Dental Crown is Needed

Dental crowns are well known for creating brilliant smiles, but they can do much more. Many dentists recommend dental crowns because they are a strong cosmetic solution for restoring the appearance of your teeth.

Dental crowns are recommended for several reasons:

To protect – a weakened tooth (most likely from decay) from fracturing
To cover – a tooth that has filling but not enough enamel
To cover – a dental implant site
To restore – a tooth’s original appearance and functionality

What Materials are Crowns Made From?

Several durable materials are used to make dental crowns, such as metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, and composite resin.

Before a dental crown is made, your dentist will ask you what kind of shade or color you want your dental crown to be.

Most patients choose a shade that closely resembles the original color of the tooth they got removed or the tooth they want to cover.

Your dentist will consider the following factors when deciding which material to use such as:

The tooth’s location and function
The position of your gums
The amount of tooth that is exposed when you smile
The color or shade of your surrounding teeth

After you and your dentist have evaluated these factors, you can voice your personal preference regarding which tooth shades and material you believe are best for you.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper dental hygiene, dental crowns can last more than 15 years and well into the later years of a person’s life.

In general, the lifespan of a dental crown depends on the wear and tear the crown is exposed to, such as the foods you eat, how healthy your gums are, and how routinely you brush your teeth. Dental crowns are made out of durable materials since they will be constantly faced with.

Crown Placed Over a Natural Tooth

In the case when a crown is placed over a natural tooth, several steps are involved:

Your dentist will start working on your tooth by removing the outermost layer (including any signs of decaying enamel), so the crown will fit. If additional tooth structure is needed to support the crown, your dentist may use fillers to build the tooth’s core.
An “impression” or mold is made using a clay-like putty to create an exact model of your natural tooth.
In some cases, while your permanent dental crown is being made by a lab technician, your dentist will place a temporary crown in the meantime. (The permanent dental crown usually takes between 2 to 3 weeks to arrive at the dental office, depending on how many orders the lab technician must complete).

When your permanent crown is ready, during your following dentist appointment, your dentist takes certain steps to properly place it on top of your existing tooth while making necessary adjustments. When you and your dentist are happy with how it looks and feels, the crown is then cemented into place using special dental cement.

Crown Placed Over a Dental Implant

If you have undergone dental implant surgery, dental implant crown placement is the next step in the process.

The dental crown sits on the implant (a screw-like object that is safely drilled into the jawbone), and both work together to give a dental restoration that looks, feels, and functions like your original tooth that was surgically removed.

Taking off the temporary crown

The main benefit of a temporary crown is to provide you with the temporary functionality of your original tooth that you need for chewing food and for aesthetic appeal (perhaps you don’t want to feel embarrassed at a family gathering).

Before removing your temporary crown, your dentist will administer a small dose of local anesthesia at the implant site.

Checking the fit of the dental crown

Before cementing the crown permanently into the dental implant, your dentist will make sure your new crown fits properly.

This is usually done by biting down, and if the crown sits too high on the implant, your dentist will trim it until it is completely level and in line with the rest of your teeth.

If your dental crown still feels uncomfortable, your dentist will ask you to bite again for further adjustment until you are satisfied with the feel and look of your new dental crown.

Placing the permanent crown

The final stage is the permanent cementing process to permanently seal the crown on top of the implant.

This involves inserting the dental cement inside the dental crown and then placing it over the dental implant.

Once in place, your dentist will ask you to bite down and hold your bite for a few minutes for the cement to settle and harden.

After the process is complete, it is advised not to eat any solid foods for a few hours, but usually, the next day, you can go back to eating your regular foods because the cement will have bonded by then.

A final thought on What is a Dental Crown

The advantages accruing from having a dental crown can never be overestimated and it is not limited to the ones listed above.

Your oral health must be cared for at all costs, and having a specialist for your oral health is a clever approach everyone must learn to adopt.

I am confident you now have the perfect answer to this question of what is a dental crown. Since your opinion counts on our platform feel free to air your view in the comment box below.