Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are prosthetic caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are a versatile solution for various dental issues, providing long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.
Reasons for Dental Crowns:
- Severe Decay: When a tooth has a large cavity that cannot be restored with a filling.
- Cracked or Broken Teeth: To protect and hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
- Worn Down Teeth: To restore teeth worn down by grinding (bruxism).
- Post-Root Canal Treatment: To strengthen and protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
- Cosmetic Enhancements: To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
- Support for Dental Bridges: To anchor a dental bridge in place.
Procedure:
- Preparation: The dentist reshapes the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crown. If there’s significant tooth structure missing, a filling material might be used to build up the tooth.
- Impression: An impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth is taken to create a custom crown.
- Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
- Fitting the Crown: Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is checked for fit, shape, and color before being permanently cemented onto the tooth.
Materials:
- Porcelain/Ceramic: Offers the best natural color match and is ideal for front teeth.
- Metal: Highly durable, suitable for molars that require strength.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Combines strength and aesthetics, providing a natural appearance with added durability.
- Resin: A more affordable option, though less durable.
Care and Maintenance:
- Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep the crown and surrounding gums healthy.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Prevent chipping or cracking the crown by avoiding hard or sticky foods.
- Regular Dental Visits: Routine check-ups ensure the crown and underlying tooth remain in good condition.
