A dental crown or dental cap is an artificial covering that is made for a tooth that has been badly damaged or diseased. Not only do dental crowns improve the aesthetics of teeth, they also make them stronger and more resilient. Let’s take a closer look at the dental crown procedure and what you can expect.
What Is A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are used to strengthen teeth or improve their aesthetics. They are used most typically when damage to the tooth is too extensive to be managed using a filling or restoration, or when a patient would like to cover up visible damage or discolouration that does not respond to teeth whitening.
How Does The Dental Crown Procedure Work?
Dental crowns usually require at least two visits to your dentist to complete, but the dental crown procedure is relatively straight forward. At the first consultation your dentist will evaluate whether a crown will benefit your needs. He or she will probably take x-rays of your mouth to ensure that any damage done to your tooth does not run below the gum line. He or she will also check that your tooth structure can actually support a dental cap.
Your dentist will then remove a thin layer from the surface of your tooth. The amount that is removed is usually the same thickness as the crown to be manufactured. This is to ensure that the cap fits comfortably into your mouth. Once this is done your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it away to the dental laboratory to be made up. In many cases a temporary crown will need to be worn until the permanent crown is returned by the technician. It may take two to four weeks for the permanent crown to be ready.
When you receive the call that the crown is ready, you will return to your dentist for the fitting. Your dentist will apply it to the surface of the damaged tooth using dental cement.
Ultimately your dental crown will look the same as your other teeth and should be as strong and functional.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
There are a number of instances that necessitate a dental crown. These include
- To provide a restoration for a tooth that is damaged, chipped or fractured
- To provide support for a dental bridge
- To cover up a dental implant
- To restore an area of a tooth that is too big to accommodate a filling or restoration
- To provide a cover for a tooth that is coloured or damaged.
What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made From?
There are four primary materials that are used to make dental crowns. These include resin, ceramic, metal, porcelain fused to metal. Porcelain is quite popular because of its tendency to reflect light in the same way as your natural teeth. Porcelain fused to metal is also favoured by many dentists because it is considered very strong and durable.
If you have more questions about the dental crown procedure please contact us for an appointment: (02) 4208 6203.