By Dr Tamika Ferguson
A dental crown (cap) is a fixed device/restoration that fully covers the portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth.
A crown is cemented onto an existing tooth and becomes the tooth’s new outer surface and functions like a natural tooth.
Why should a tooth be crowned?
There are many situations when someone may require a tooth or teeth to be covered by crowns. Here are some reasons your dentist may recommend a crown:
Root canal: After having a tooth root canal treated the tooth becomes weak. When performing a root canal, infected and decayed enamel and dentin are removed. The tooth has a large cavity and is weak even after the cavity is filled. Further, because the pulp is also removed, the tooth no longer functions as a living thing. Over time because it has no blood supply, the tooth loses strength and is likely to fracture.
So, in most cases, a tooth with a root canal should be restored with a crown immediately to prevent fracturing.
Large filling: If a tooth has a cavity that involves more than half of the tooth, it needs to be crowned. Placing a filling is a good interim restoration but the remaining tooth structure is weak. If you have had a large filling in the mouth for a while, that tooth may show signs of stress and cracks around the filling. A crown would be your best bet to save the tooth.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome: Cracked Tooth Syndrome is when there is a fracture within the tooth that causes pain on biting. When you bite, this produces stress on the fracture line that makes it feel as if the tooth is separating. By placing a crown over the tooth, the stress from biting/chewing is distributed evenly, alleviating the pain in most cases. If the pain does not subside while wearing a temporary crown, the tooth may require a root canal before the permanent crown is cemented on.
Better aesthetics: There are many reasons we dislike the appearance of our teeth such as the colour, shape or spaces between the teeth. You can enhance the appearance of your front teeth by crowning them. These crowns can be made to look very natural and beautiful.
What is the dental crown procedure?
The procedure requires two dental visits.
During the first visit, an initial impression or stent is made of your original tooth. Then the tooth is shaved down and another impression is made of the preparation. Your dentist will also determine the shade of your teeth so the crown will match. Then a temporary crown is made from the first impression. The temporary crown is cemented with temporary cement.
A few weeks later, at your second visit, the temporary crown is removed and a permanent crown is placed on the tooth. Your dentist will make sure the crown is a perfect fit before permanently cementing the crown.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns have a good longevity but to ensure their lifespan you have to take care of your teeth. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly. Further, to prevent damage to your crown, avoid chewing hard foods.
If you are interested in a dental crown, speak to your dentist at your next visit.
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