Dental Crown

Dental Crown

What is Dental Crown?

Dental crown, also only called as “cap”, is a tooth-shaped cap that is used to cover or save a damaged tooth by completely encircling it. It is an ideal and easiest way to repair teeth that have been broken or weakened.  A dental crown is also needed for such reasons:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking,
• To restore an already broken tooth,
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling,
• To hold a dental bridge in place,
• To cover a dental implant,
• To make a cosmetic modification.

Dental crowns may be porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-metal, all-resin or all-ceramic. Patients may choose among these materials depending on their preferences or budget. According to American Dental Association, there are advantages and disadvantages for each type, you should discuss the details with your dentist.

Before the Procedure

Usually, it requires two visits at the dentist. The first one involves in examining and preparing the tooth. You may have X-Rays from different angels to be checked the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. Sometimes, the tooth may require root canal treatment first. The second one involves placement of the crown.  

What Happens During Dental Crown?

A local anesthesia will be administered to the tooth and gum tissue around the tooth. The dentist will prepare (shape) the tooth, take the impression and place a temporary crown. Prepared tooth model will be sent to a dental laboratory. In the second visit, the dentist will cement the finished crown into place.

If CAD/CAM is used, the procedure is done with only one visit. After preparing the digital tooth model, the dentist will cement the crown into place in 1 hour.

How Long Does It Take to Place Dental Crown?

Dental crown procedure takes for up to 2 hours in two visits. There will be 2 to 3 days between appointments.  If CAD/CAM is used, the procedure lasts only 1 hour to complete.

How Long Dental Crown Last?

The dental crown lasts for up to 5 to 7 years or more depending on how well you look after it.

Will the Crown Feel Different?

The shape of the dental crown is a bit different from your original tooth before it was crowned. You may feel the difference at first, however within a few days later, you may not notice it. If you feel not comfortable, some adjustments may be done by your dentist.