Sometimes a filling isn’t enough as it is — that’s when a dental crown may be utilized.
A crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth, restoring its shape, appearance, and strength. The full-coverage aspect of crowns is especially helpful for helping to hold teeth together that may have large or multiple existing restorations.
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are versatile dental prosthetics used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. These tooth-shaped caps are custom-made to fit over the entire visible portion of a tooth, extending from the gum line upward. Dental crowns are typically fabricated from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials, depending on the specific requirements of the patient.
Here are some key features and uses of dental crowns:
1. Protection and Strength: Dental crowns provide protection and reinforcement for teeth that are extensively decayed, cracked, fractured, or weakened due to root canal therapy. By encasing the tooth structure, crowns restore its strength and prevent further damage.
2. Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth affected by severe discoloration, irregular shape, or size discrepancies. They are meticulously crafted to match the natural color, shape, and contour of adjacent teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with the smile.
3. Support for Dental Bridges: Dental crowns serve as abutments or anchors for dental bridges. They are placed over the adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants to support and stabilize the pontic (artificial tooth) in place, effectively bridging the gap created by missing teeth.
4. Restoration of Dental Implants: Dental crowns are attached to dental implants to replace individual missing teeth. Implant-supported crowns offer a durable and lifelike solution for single-tooth replacement, restoring both function and aesthetics.
5. Longevity and Durability: With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, dental crowns can last for many years. High-quality materials and precise fabrication techniques contribute to their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
6. Customization and Precision: Each dental crown is custom-designed and fabricated to fit the unique specifications of the patient's mouth. Digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology enable dentists to create crowns with exceptional precision and accuracy, ensuring optimal fit and function.
Procedure: The placement of a dental crown typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel to accommodate the crown. Impressions or digital scans are then taken to create a precise mold for the fabrication of the crown. A temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth until the final restoration is ready. At the subsequent appointment, the permanent crown is cemented or bonded securely onto the tooth.
Dental crowns offer a reliable and versatile solution for restoring damaged or compromised teeth, enhancing both oral health and aesthetics. Patients can enjoy improved function, comfort, and confidence with the natural-looking and long-lasting results provided by dental crowns.
Broomfield Premier Dentistry produces crowns with quality, durability, and beauty. With proper care, your crown will last many years and look just like your natural teeth.
