Whether met with apprehension or relief, the need for a dental crown is a situation many adults face in their lifetime. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fully encloses the visible portion of a tooth. But when is one necessary, and what does the procedure entail? Let’s delve into the details.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
A dental crown, often called a dental cap, is a versatile therapeutic solution to various dental issues. This custom-made prosthetic covers the visible portion of a tooth, providing structural support, protection, and aesthetic improvement. Dental crowns are considered necessary in several situations due to their ability to restore compromised teeth’ strength, function, and appearance. Let’s explore these scenarios in more detail:
1. Protection for a Weak Tooth
A dental crown can offer essential protection when a tooth is weakened due to extensive decay. It acts as a shield, preventing further damage and reducing the risk of fractures. This is particularly crucial for teeth with large cavities that have compromised the tooth’s structural integrity.
2. Restoring a Cracked or Fractured Tooth
Teeth with cracks or fractures, whether caused by trauma or biting forces, are vulnerable to further damage and pain. Placing a dental crown over such a tooth holds the fractured pieces together, preventing them from separating and potentially causing more significant problems.
3. Restoration after Root Canal
A root canal removes the infected or damaged pulp from within the tooth. Since this process can weaken the tooth’s structure, a dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth. This restores its strength and functionality while protecting it from future damage.
4. Covering Severely Worn Teeth
Teeth can become severely worn due to bruxism (teeth grinding), acid erosion, or age-related wear. Dental crowns can restore the tooth’s original shape, size, and function, enabling proper chewing and preventing further wear.
5. Large Filling Replacement
Teeth with large fillings are susceptible to fractures and may eventually require more extensive treatment. Replacing a large filling with a dental crown provides greater stability, reduces the risk of fractures, and extends the tooth’s lifespan.
6. Cosmetic Enhancement
Dental crowns, especially natural-looking crowns, are used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of teeth with cosmetic imperfections. Whether addressing misshapen, discolored, or unevenly sized teeth, crowns can create a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
7. Strengthening for a Bridge
Dental bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring them to adjacent teeth. These supporting teeth are often fitted with dental crowns to provide the necessary strength and stability for the bridge.
8. Implant Restoration
Dental crowns are placed on top of dental implants to replace missing teeth. Implants serve as artificial tooth roots, and crowns attached to implants restore the missing tooth’s natural appearance and function.
9. Pediatric Dentistry
In children, dental crowns might be used for extensively decayed or damaged primary (baby) teeth that can’t be adequately restored with fillings. This approach helps preserve the tooth’s function until the permanent tooth erupts.
10. Reinforcement after Trauma
Following traumatic injuries that result in fractures, chips, or dislodgment of teeth, dental crowns can be essential in restoring the tooth’s structure, function, and appearance.
What Does a Dental Crown Procedure Involve?
The dental crown procedure is a multi-step process that involves preparing the tooth, creating a custom crown, and finally, placing and securing the crown onto the tooth. Here’s an overview of what the dental crown procedure typically involves:
1. Consultation and Examination
The process begins with a consultation with your dentist. They will examine your tooth, assess the need for a crown, and discuss the procedure, benefits, and potential alternatives. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the tooth’s structure and surrounding tissues.
2. Tooth Preparation
To accommodate the dental crown, the affected tooth is prepared. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth. The tooth is then shaped to create a suitable foundation for the crown. In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged or lacks sufficient structure, a build-up might be necessary to ensure a stable base for the crown.
3. Impression Taking
After tooth preparation, an impression of the tooth and adjacent teeth is taken. This impression provides the dental laboratory with accurate details needed to create a custom crown that fits seamlessly within your mouth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be fabricated.
4. Temporary Crown Placement
While the permanent crown is being crafted, your dentist might place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain proper function and appearance. Temporary crowns are typically made from a different material and are less durable than the final crown.
5. Crown Fabrication
At the dental laboratory, skilled technicians use the impression to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth in shape, size, and color. The crown is crafted from materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of materials (porcelain-fused-to-metal).
6. Final Crown Fitting
Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office. The temporary crown is removed, and the final crown’s fit, appearance, and bite are assessed. Adjustments may be made to ensure optimal comfort and function.
7. Cementing the CrownÂ
Once the crown’s fit is confirmed, it is cemented onto the prepared tooth using a dental adhesive. The dentist ensures the crown is securely placed while checking the bite to ensure proper alignment with adjacent teeth.
8. Polishing and Final Touches
After the crown is secured, any excess cement is removed and polished to a natural sheen. Your dentist will provide care instructions to ensure the crown’s longevity and oral health.
The dental crown procedure typically requires two appointments: one for preparation and temporary crown placement and another for the final crown placement. The process is designed to restore the tooth’s function, appearance, and strength, allowing you to enjoy improved oral health and aesthetics.
The Importance of Teeth Whitening
Don’t underestimate a bright, white smile’s impact on your appearance and confidence. Teeth whitening is a simple and effective cosmetic dental treatment that can help restore your teeth’s natural shine. People who have undergone teeth whitening have reported an enhancement in their confidence levels, social interactions, and overall quality of life. One of the most notable teeth whitening benefits is its influence on personal and professional relationships.
How About Addressing TMJ Disorders?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can lead to pain in your jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. TMJ disorders might seem daunting to treat, but vast advancements in dentistry now provide patients with various options for relief. Dentists can offer specialized TMJ solutions to alleviate pain and discomfort, such as physical therapy exercises, nighttime mouth guards, or surgical procedures in severe cases. These solutions can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
Conclusion
Oral health is significant to our overall health. Thus, understanding the need for a dental crown and familiarizing yourself with the procedures involved, the benefits of teeth whitening, and options for TMJ treatment are necessary steps toward maintaining optimum oral health. Always remember that a healthy mouth equals a beautiful smile.
