Treatments
Dental Crown Treatment
What is a Dental Crown? A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Once cemented into place, the crown covers the visible portion of a tooth above and below the gum line. Why is a Dental Crown Needed? Dental crowns are recommended for various reasons: 1. To Protect: Strengthen a tooth that is fractured or weakened by decay. 2. To Restore: Rebuild a tooth that's been broken or severely worn down. 3. Cosmetic Enhancement: Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth. 4. After a Root Canal: Protect a tooth that's had a root canal treatment. 5. To Cover a Dental Implant: Act as a replacement tooth in conjunction with a dental implant. Types of Dental Crowns 1. Metal Crowns: Made from gold, palladium, or other alloys. They are long-lasting and resist wear. 2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These can be color-matched to your natural teeth. 3. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: Ideal for people with metal allergies and offer the best natural color match. 4. Composite Resin Crowns: Less expensive but wear down over time. 5. Stainless Steel Crowns: Primarily used on primary teeth or as a temporary measure. The Procedure 1. Initial Consultation: Your dentist evaluates the need for a crown. 2. Preparation: The dentist removes the outer portion of your tooth, making room for the crown. 3. Impression: After reshaping, an impression of the tooth is made to create the crown. 4. Temporary Crown: Before you leave, a temporary crown is placed until the permanent one is ready. 5. Placement: On the next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place. Post-treatment Care - Brush and floss around the crowned tooth meticulously to prevent gum disease or decay at the crown borders. - Avoid biting on hard substances to prevent damage to the crown. - Regular dental check-ups are crucial to monitor the crown and the underlying tooth.