WHEN IS A DENTAL CROWN NEEDED?

Dental crowns are a tooth-shaped cap designed to restore the original bearings of a tooth. Things such as size, shape, and color can be corrected by wearing a dental crown.

WHEN DO I NEED A DENTAL CROWN?

There are several situations in which a dental crown is needed:

• If the tooth is chipped or cracked and needs additional protection
• To restore the shape and size of the tooth after a root canal procedure
• Used as a preventative measure to stop further tooth decay
• To close the gap between teeth by acting as an anchor in a dental bridge
• To be used as an alternative in a tooth filling when supply isn’t enough.

As you can see, most of these situations are based on restoration to the teeth and taken special preventive measures against tooth decay.

WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN MADE OF?

Dental crowns are usually made from three materials:

• A Tooth Colored Ceramic
• Porcelain Bonded to Metal Alloy
• Metal Alloys (gold, silver, bronze etc.)

Your dental situation and cosmetic design of the crown ought to decide which material you want your crown to be made from.

HOW IS A CROWN PLACED?

The placement of a dental crown requires two visits to the dentist, over a span of two weeks. The purpose of the first appointment is to remove the decayed tooth and prepare it for the fitting of the crown. There must be optimal space for the crown to be placed in the mouth. For this to happen, the sides of the crown are filed away from the chewing surface and the sides. At the end of the first visit, a temporary crown is placed over the tooth using the same specifications while a permanent crown is manufactured in the lab. The second visit involves the removal of the temporary crown and the bonding of the permanent one.

HOW TO CARE FOR A CROWN

A crown should be cared for like any other tooth. Consistent brushing, flossing, and overall good hygienic practices are the minimum for keeping dental crowns in good condition.