Crown
A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a type of dental restoration that completely covers or encircles a tooth or dental implant. It is a fixed prosthetic device that is cemented onto an existing tooth or implant to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are commonly used to:
1.- Protect a weak tooth: A tooth that has been significantly weakened by decay, fracture, or large fillings may require a crown to provide additional strength and support.
2.- Restore a broken or fractured tooth: Crowns can restore teeth that have been broken, fractured, or severely worn down due to trauma or dental erosion.
3.- Cover a dental implant: Crowns are used to cover and restore dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth.
4.- Support a dental bridge: Crowns are used as abutments to support dental bridges, which are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth or dental implants.
5.- Improve aesthetics: Crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly aligned teeth, enhancing the overall esthetics of the smile.
Preparation
During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged portions and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. Impressions or digital scans of the tooth and surrounding teeth are then taken to create a custom-made crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. A temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
Placement
In the second visit, the temporary crown, if present, is removed, and the permanent crown is cemented or bonded onto the tooth using dental cement or adhesive. The dentist will ensure that the crown fits properly, matches the surrounding teeth, and provides optimal function and aesthetics.