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What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown (also referred to as a cap), is a method of dental restoration that covers (or 'caps') a tooth to help restore its colour, shape, and size.
Dental crowns have the ability to help improve the appearance, strength, and function of a tooth that has been decayed or damaged, that would otherwise have to be removed and replaced.
Dental crowns could also be used for cosmetic purposes like covering teeth that are discoloured or uneven, to help improve the overall look of your smile.
Crowns are relatively strong because they are often made from porcelain, which is a material that protects and strengthens a tooth's remaining structure.
The Procedure For Placing a Dental Crown
Typically two appointments are needed to place a dental crown. Once your dentist has decided that a crown is the best possible treatment for you, you can expect the following at each appointment:
Your First Appointment
First, to get ready for your dental crown, your dentist will assess your mouth and prepare the tooth.
Your dentist will prepare your tooth by filing down and removing part of the outer layer of the tooth. Next, they will take an impression of the trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth, and place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. The temporary crown is placed using temporary cement so that it can come off easily when the permanent crown is ready.
Your dental office will send your unique tooth impression to a dental laboratory to make your permanent crown, which may take several weeks.
Using your impression, the laboratory technician is able to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements and sculpt a crown just for you. Your dentist will also be sure to determine the shade of your teeth to help the technician make a crown that will match the colour of the rest of your teeth.
Your Second Visit
Once the crown is ready, you’ll return to your dental office for the second appointment. During this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown on your tooth.
First, the permanent crown will be placed on the tooth and checked for acceptable fit, bite and smooth margins. After any required adjustments have been made, the crown will be cemented with dental glue or permanent cement.
Taking Care of Your Dental Crown
If you care for your dental crown properly it could last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, they could still be damaged, which is why it's essential to take care of it by brushing and flossing around the crowns to keep them from having to be replaced too soon.