Crown
A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a type of dental restoration that covers or encircles a tooth entirely or partially. Crowns are custom-made to fit over the prepared tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often used to protect and strengthen a weakened tooth, improve its aesthetics, or restore functionality lost due to damage or decay. Here’s an overview of the dental crown process: Evaluation Before getting a dental crown, the dentist evaluates the tooth’s condition, often using X-rays, to determine if a crown is necessary and whether the tooth can support it. Tooth Preparation To accommodate the crown, the tooth is reshaped by removing a portion of its outer surface. This process involves trimming the tooth’s enamel and shaping it into an abutment that can securely hold the crown. Impressions Once the tooth is prepared, impressions or digital scans of the tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions are used to create a custom-made crown that precisely fits the prepared tooth and matches the color and shape of the surrounding teeth. Temporary Crown If the final crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made. This temporary crown is usually made of acrylic or stainless steel and is not as durable as the permanent crown. Fabrication of the Crown The impressions or digital scans are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians fabricate the permanent crown. The crown can be made from various materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-metal (such as gold or silver), or zirconia. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and functional requirements. Placement of the Crown Once the permanent crown is ready, it is cemented or bonded onto the prepared tooth using dental adhesive. The dentist ensures that the crown fits properly, matches the surrounding teeth, and provides optimal function and aesthetics. Dental crowns can serve several purposes, including: – Protecting a weak or damaged tooth from further decay or fracture. – Restoring the shape, size, and function of a tooth that has been significantly decayed, broken, or worn down. – Supporting and covering a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. – Improving the appearance of a misshapen, discolored, or cosmetically flawed tooth. With proper care and maintenance, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, a dental crown can last for many years, providing long-term protection and functionality for the treated tooth.
