Restorative Care Using Dental Crowns
A dental crown, which might also be called a 'cap', is used to restore the function and appearance of your tooth usually after a restorative procedure.
Dental crowns can help to improve damaged or decayed teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted and replaced.
Additionally, dental crowns can be used for cosmetic reasons, such as to cover an uneven or discoloured tooth and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
Crowns are quite strong due to the fact that they are often made of porcelain, which can strengthen the tooth itself after having a procedure.
The Crown Procedure
You can expect to see your dentist twice to complete the dental crown procedure. Once your dentist determines you need a crown, here's what you can expect at each appointment.
What can you expect during your first visit?
In order to prepare for a crown, your dentist will first examine your mouth and then prepare the tooth.
To begin preparing for placing your new crown, your dentist will file down your natural 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. Your dentist will use a type of temporary cement in order to make the process of switching from the temporary crown to the permanent one easier.
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.
What will happen during your second dental appointment?
Once the crown is ready, you’ll return to your dental office for the second appointment. At this point, your dentist can remove the temporary crown and cement to make way for your new, permanent one.
The permanent crown is first placed on the tooth and inspected for acceptable fit, bite and smooth margins. After any necessary adjustments have been made, the crown is cemented with permanent cement or dental glue.
How You Should Care For Your Dental Crown
With the proper care, dental crowns can last on average from 10 to 20 years. They are still subject to damage, so it is important to take care in brushing and flossing around crowned teeth to prevent them from needing to be replaced too soon.