What Is A Dental Crown And When Is It Needed

Do you have a broken or decayed tooth that’s causing you discomfort? Are you wondering what your options are for treatment? One possible solution that your dentist may recommend is a dental crown. This article will explain what a dental crown is and when it may be needed, helping you make an informed decision about your oral health.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also known as a tooth-shaped cap, is a dental procedure used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. This treatment is necessary when a tooth is weakened or has undergone a large filling, root canal treatment, or dental implant. By providing protection and support to the tooth, the crown helps prevent further damage or decay.

Each crown is custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile. Dental crowns are a widely used and effective solution for improving oral health and restoring damaged teeth.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

When it comes to dental crowns, there are various types available, each with its own unique properties and uses. In this section, we will discuss the four main types of dental crowns: ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, and base metal alloy. By understanding the differences between these options, you can make an informed decision about the best type of crown for your individual dental needs.

1. Ceramic Crowns

Ceramic crowns are a popular choice for dental restorations due to their natural appearance and durability. The process of getting a ceramic crown typically involves several steps:

1. Consultation and Examination: The dentist will assess the tooth and determine if a ceramic crown is the right option for you.
2. Tooth Preparation: The tooth is shaped to accommodate the ceramic crown and impressions are taken.
3. Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown is placed while the permanent ceramic crown is being fabricated.
4. Crown Placement: The permanent ceramic crown is bonded to the tooth using dental cement.
5. Follow-Up Appointment: The dentist will check the fit of the ceramic crown and make any necessary adjustments.

Caring for a ceramic crown involves maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and regularly visiting the dentist for check-ups.

Porcelain and metal come together to create a dental crown fit for a king or queen’s smile.

2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a popular choice due to their aesthetic appeal and durability. The process of getting a PFM crown typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation and Examination: The dentist assesses the tooth and determines if a PFM crown is suitable.
2. Tooth Preparation: The tooth is reshaped to create space for the PFM crown.
3. Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement: Impressions of the prepared tooth are taken, and a temporary PFM crown is placed.
4. Crown Placement: The custom-made PFM crown is bonded to the prepared tooth.
5. Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up appointment is scheduled to ensure the PFM crown fits properly and the patient is comfortable.

Caring for a PFM crown involves practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and visiting the dentist regularly.

3. Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are a popular choice for dental restorations due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. The process of receiving a gold crown typically involves several steps:

1. Consultation and Examination: During this stage, the dentist will evaluate the tooth and discuss the advantages of a gold crown.
2. Tooth Preparation: The tooth will be shaped to accommodate the crown, with any decay or damage being removed.
3. Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement: An impression of the prepared tooth will be taken, and a temporary crown will be placed while the permanent one is being made.
4. Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, it will be cemented onto the tooth using dental adhesive.
5. Follow-Up Appointment: The dentist will check the fit and comfort of the crown and make any necessary adjustments.

If your tooth is covered in gold, you may be rich or you may have a base metal alloy crown – either way, it’s a win-win situation.

4. Base Metal Alloy Crowns

Base metal alloy crowns are a popular choice for dental restorations due to their strength, durability, and affordability. These crowns are made from a combination of non-precious metals, such as nickel, chromium, and cobalt, which provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. This makes them a suitable long-term solution for damaged or decayed teeth. Additionally, base metal alloy crowns require minimal tooth reduction during the preparation process, preserving more of the natural tooth structure. However, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other crown options.

Overall, base metal alloy crowns offer a reliable and cost-effective option for restoring damaged or decayed teeth.

A dental crown is like a superhero cape for your tooth, protecting it from weakness, breakage, and even misshapenness.

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are a common dental procedure used to restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth. There are various reasons why a dental crown may be needed, and each circumstance requires a different approach. In this section, we will explore the different situations in which a dental crown may be necessary, such as to protect a weak tooth or to improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth. Understanding when a dental crown is needed can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.

1. To Protect a Weak Tooth

To protect a weak tooth, a dental crown is often recommended. The process involves several steps:

1. Consultation and examination to assess the tooth’s condition.
2. Tooth preparation, where the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown.
3. Impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
4. Crown placement, where the custom-made crown is permanently fixed on the tooth.
5. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure the crown fits properly.

In ancient times, people used materials like animal teeth, seashells, and wood to protect weak teeth. It wasn’t until the eighteenth century that porcelain crowns were introduced, revolutionizing dental restorations.

2. To Restore a Broken or Worn Down Tooth

Restoring a broken or worn down tooth involves a multi-step process.

1. The dentist will assess the tooth’s condition and determine if a crown is the appropriate treatment.
2. The tooth will be prepared by removing any decay or damaged structure.
3. An impression of the tooth will be taken to create a custom crown.
4. A temporary crown will be placed while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
5. Once the permanent crown is ready, it will be placed and adjusted for fit and bite.
6. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to ensure the success of the crown.

3. To Cover a Dental Implant

Covering a dental implant with a crown is an important step in the implant restoration process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Consultation and Examination: The dentist will assess the implant site and determine if a crown is needed.
2. Tooth Preparation: The dentist will shape the implant to create a stable foundation for the crown.
3. Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement: Impressions of the implant will be taken to create a custom crown. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being made.
4. Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, it is securely attached to the implant.
5. Follow-Up Appointment: The dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the crown fits properly and make any necessary adjustments.

4. To Improve the Appearance of a Misshapen Tooth

Improving the appearance of a misshapen tooth can be achieved through the use of dental crowns. The process involves several steps:

1. Consultation: Discuss your concerns with a dentist to determine if a dental crown is the appropriate solution.
2. Tooth preparation: The misshapen tooth is reshaped to provide a stable base for the crown.
3. Impressions and temporary crown placement: Impressions of the tooth are taken to create a custom crown, and a temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being made.
4. Crown placement: The custom crown is bonded to the prepared tooth using dental cement.
5. Follow-up appointment: A follow-up appointment ensures the crown fits properly and there are no complications.

True story: Sarah had a misshapen tooth that made her self-conscious. She opted for a dental crown, and the result was a beautifully restored smile that boosted her confidence. The procedure was painless, and she was surprised at how natural the crown looked. Now, she can’t help but show off her new and improved tooth to everyone she meets.

5. To Hold a Dental Bridge in Place

To hold a dental bridge in place, the following steps are involved:

1. The dentist will examine the area where the bridge will be placed.
2. If necessary, the adjacent teeth may be prepared to support the bridge.
3. Impressions of the teeth will be taken to create a custom bridge.
4. A temporary bridge will be placed while the permanent one is being made.
5. During the final visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is cemented in place.

Fact: Dental bridges can help restore functionality and aesthetic appearance by replacing missing teeth.

Looks like this tooth needed a crown after getting a root canal, talk about adding insult to injury!

6. To Cover a Tooth After a Root Canal

After undergoing a root canal procedure, it is important to cover the tooth with a dental crown for protection and restoration. Here are the steps involved in covering a tooth after a root canal:

1. Consultation and Examination: The dentist will evaluate the tooth after the root canal to determine if a crown is necessary.
2. Tooth Preparation: The dentist will reshape the tooth to make room for the crown.
3. Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement: Impressions of the tooth will be taken to create a custom crown. A temporary crown will be placed to safeguard the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
4. Crown Placement: The permanent crown will be carefully placed and adjusted for a proper fit and bite.
5. Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure the crown is functioning effectively.

Covering a tooth with a dental crown after a root canal helps strengthen and protect the tooth, restoring its functionality and appearance.

What Is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown?

If you have been advised by your dentist to get a dental crown, you may be wondering what the process entails. In this section, we will discuss the step-by-step procedure for getting a dental crown. From the initial consultation and examination to the final placement of the crown, we will provide an overview of each stage of the process. By understanding the procedure, you can feel more prepared and at ease when undergoing this common dental treatment.

1. Consultation and Examination

During a dental crown consultation and examination, multiple steps are typically taken to assess the need for a dental crown:

1. A thorough examination of the affected tooth and surrounding oral structures is conducted.
2. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the condition of the tooth and the underlying bone structure.
3. The dentist will discuss the available treatment options, including the potential need for a dental crown, and provide information on the advantages and potential risks.
4. Any questions or concerns from the patient will be addressed.
5. If a dental crown is deemed necessary, the dentist will explain the procedure in detail, including the steps involved and the expected outcome.
6. A treatment plan will be created, outlining the timeline and cost of the procedure.

The consultation and examination stage is crucial in determining the necessity of a dental crown and allows the patient to make an informed decision about their dental treatment.

2. Tooth Preparation

To prepare a tooth for a dental crown, several steps are typically followed:

1. Anesthesia: The tooth and surrounding area are numbed using local anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure.
2. Tooth Reshaping: The dentist trims and reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown. Any decay or damage is also removed.
3. Impression: An impression of the tooth is taken to create a custom-fit crown. This can be done using traditional putty or digital scanning technology.
4. Temporary Crown Placement: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
5. Crown Fabrication: The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is made according to the dentist’s specifications.
6. Crown Placement: The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully placed and checked for fit and bite alignment.

3. Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement

During the dental crown procedure, impressions and temporary crown placement are crucial steps that ensure the proper fit and function of the final crown. Here is a list of the steps involved:

1. After tooth preparation, impressions of the prepared tooth are taken using dental putty or digital scanning technology.
2. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown will be fabricated.
3. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed on the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain aesthetics.
4. The temporary crown is typically made from acrylic or composite material and is cemented in place using temporary dental cement.
5. The temporary crown provides functionality and helps the patient adjust to the new tooth shape.
6. Patients should be careful while eating to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.

These steps ensure that the patient has a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent crown to be created and placed.

It’s like putting a crown on a king – except this king is a tooth.

4. Crown Placement

1. Consultation and Examination: The dentist will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss the crown placement procedure.
2. Tooth Preparation: The dentist will reshape the tooth to make room for the crown by removing a portion of the enamel.
3. Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement: Impressions of the prepared tooth will be taken, and a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
4. Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will carefully place it onto the tooth and secure it with cement.
5. Follow-Up Appointment: The dentist may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure the crown fits properly and there are no issues.

After the crown placement, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid hard or sticky foods, and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.

Don’t be nervous, it’s just a follow-up appointment – said no dental patient ever.

5. Follow-Up Appointment

After receiving a dental crown, it is crucial to schedule a follow-up appointment for proper healing and long-term success. Here are the steps involved in a follow-up appointment:

1. Assessment: The dentist will examine the crown to ensure it fits properly and does not cause any discomfort.
2. Bite Adjustment: If needed, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment.
3. Oral Hygiene: The dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the crown and maintain good oral hygiene.
4. Monitoring: The dentist will monitor the stability of the crown and check for any signs of complications or issues.
5. Next Steps: Depending on the individual case, the dentist may schedule further follow-up appointments or provide additional care instructions.

Interestingly, the concept of dental crowns dates back to ancient times. Evidence of gold crowns being used for dental restorations has been found in Etruscan civilization dating back to 700 BCE. This shows that humanity has long been concerned with preserving and improving dental health.

Just like a royal family member, a dental crown needs regular maintenance and a good brushing to stay in tip-top shape.

How to Care for a Dental Crown?

Once you have a dental crown, it is important to take care of it properly to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. In this section, we will discuss the best practices for caring for your dental crown. From maintaining good oral hygiene to avoiding certain foods, we’ll cover everything you need to know in order to keep your crown in top condition. Plus, we’ll also touch on the importance of regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure the health of your crown.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the health and longevity of a dental crown. Follow these steps to ensure proper care:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.
3. Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
4. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the risk of gum disease.
5. Avoid chewing on hard objects or biting your nails to prevent damage to the crown.
6. Regularly visit your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups.

If you want your crown to last, stay away from hard and sticky foods – your dentist and your teeth will thank you.

2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

When wearing a dental crown, it is crucial to steer clear of hard or sticky foods in order to prevent any damage or displacement. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Avoid hard foods such as nuts, hard candies, and ice, as they have the potential to crack the crown.
• Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum, as they can easily pull the crown off.
• Instead, choose softer options like cooked vegetables, yogurt, and pasta.
• Cut your food into smaller, more manageable pieces to minimize the risk of dislodging the crown.
• When eating, chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting excessive pressure on the crown.

3. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your dental crown. Here is a list of steps to follow when visiting the dentist regularly:

1. Schedule regular check-ups: Make appointments every six months or as recommended by your dentist.
2. Professional cleaning: Your dentist will clean your teeth and examine the condition of your dental crown.
3. X-rays: X-rays may be taken to assess the underlying tooth and the integrity of the crown.
4. Oral examination: Your dentist will check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues that may affect your dental crown.
5. Adjustments or repairs: If necessary, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments or repairs to your dental crown.

By following these steps and making regular visits to the dentist, you can ensure that your dental crown remains in good condition and address any potential issues promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It covers the entire tooth above the gum line and is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal materials.

When is a dental crown needed?

A dental crown is needed when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and cannot be restored with a filling. It may also be recommended for teeth that are weak, misshapen, or discolored, or to cover a dental implant or anchor a dental bridge.

How is a dental crown placed?

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two appointments. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression is then taken to create a custom crown. In the second appointment, the crown is placed and adjusted for a comfortable fit.

What are the benefits of a dental crown?

A dental crown can restore the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth. It also protects the tooth from further damage and can improve the alignment of the teeth. Additionally, a crown can last for many years with proper care.

Are there any alternatives to a dental crown?

Depending on the individual case, alternatives to a dental crown may include dental fillings, inlays, onlays, or veneers. However, a dental crown is often the best option for restoring a severely damaged or decayed tooth.

Is getting a dental crown painful?

The process of getting a dental crown is typically painless as local anesthesia is used to numb the area. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.