What is a Dental Crown?
Crowns or “caps” are bonded onto an existing tooth and fully cover your tooth. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both.
They are indicated sometimes for cosmetic reasons in order to change a tooth’s shape but are mainly recommended for functional purposes because of their strength.
When a tooth is badly broken/cracked, worn down or destroyed by tooth decay, a crown is needed to restore the tooth to proper form and function. A crown is also indicated for teeth that have been root canal treated, as they are more prone to fracture.
Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression, which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.
This treatment entails two (2) appointments:
Appointment 1
1. The tooth is first prepared to receive a crown.
2. Then, an impression is taken of the prepared tooth and a temporary crown is made.
3. The impression is sent to the lab for the technicians to make the permanent crown.
Appointment 2
1. The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented in place.
The success of the crown is dependant on good oral hygiene to ensure the longevity.