A dental crown or cap is a restorative procedure that is carried out on a damaged tooth. A crown is usually recommended when the damage or decay on the tooth is so significant that it is too big for a dental filling to handle. Let’s have a look at the circumstances of when do you need a dental crown and what is entailed in a dental crown procedure.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns encapsulate a tooth that has been decayed or damaged. They use what is remaining of your natural tooth as a support post, making the tooth more aesthetically attractive and strengthening the tooth against further damage. But when do you need a dental crown?
Dental crowns can be made out of porcelain, ceramic, metal or glass.
Metal dental crowns are considered to be strong and durable. However, their colour means that they are better suited to the back teeth and molars.
Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns are popular because they are strong and because they look natural because of the porcelain
Ceramic and porcelain dental crowns are popular because they offer you a good colour match and look natural but they are not as strong as dental crowns with a metal base.
Resin may also be used as a dental crown material because of its affordability and good colour matching. As a material, however, resin is much softer and more susceptible to damage than other materials.
So, When Do You Need A Dental Crown?
Dental crowns may be recommended if you
- Have lost a large portion of a tooth due to decay
- Have damaged part of your tooth by breaking or cracking it
- If your teeth are eroded
- Have had root canal treatment and need to restore a dead tooth
- Want to improve the appearance of your tooth
- Have dental implants or a dental bridge or denture that needs to be held in position. Read more about dental implants.
How Does The Dental Crown Procedure Work?
Your dentist will need to see the affected tooth in order to make sure that it is strong enough to support a dental crown. Digital photographs and x rays may be taken. If your tooth is not strong enough, your dental practitioner may first need to build it up so that it can support a crown.
The first step of a dental crown procedure is to prepare your tooth. Your dentist will do this by removing a small portion from the outer layer of your tooth. The layer that is removed will be the same thickness as your dental crown.
Next, your dental practitioner will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. If there is going to be a delay before your crown is ready, your dentist may fit a temporary crown while you wait.
Once the crown is ready, you will return for your final fitting.
Do you want to know more about when do you need a dental crown or have questions about the dental crown procedure? Please contact us for professional insight: (07) 3185 2387.
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