A dental crown, sometimes called a tooth cap, is a tooth-shaped restoration custom-made to fit over the visible portion of an existing tooth. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, appearance, and function while providing support. At Only Kids Dentistry, we place a crown over a broken or decayed tooth that cannot hold a filling. Tooth crowns can be made from various materials, including metal alloys, ceramics, acrylic resin, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal. Metal alloys are the strongest and most durable, which makes them ideal for molars in the back of the mouth where heavy chewing occurs. Ceramics are the best choice for front teeth because they resemble the look of natural enamel and are incredibly durable. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are famous because they can be color-matched to the surrounding teeth. They are often made of a combination of metals, ceramics, and other materials to provide a flexible yet strong base with a natural-looking outer layer of porcelain.
The Dental Crowns Procedure
When a patient needs a dental crown, the dentist will first need to reshape the tooth to prepare for the crown placement procedure. The tooth will be reshaped with a drill, and any excess material will be removed. Then, an impression of the tooth will be made to create a crown in a lab to fit over the tooth. During this time, the patient will be given a temporary restoration to wear until their permanent crown is ready. When the permanent crown arrives from the lab, it will be cemented into place.
Dental crowns are strong restorations that can repair teeth and protect them from further damage. Often, crowns are used after root canal therapy or when a cavity is left untreated for too long, it can no longer be treated with a filling or onlay. However, some people choose to have a dental crown used purely for aesthetic reasons to improve the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen or broken.
When Are Dental Crowns Used?
A dental crown, sometimes known as a “cap,” is used to treat various types of tooth damage. If a tooth cannot be treated with a filling or another vital service due to the extent of the damage, a crown is generally the next best option. Dental crowns can also be used as the abutment teeth that support a dental bridge. Sometimes, though, patients may choose to get a crown simply for cosmetic reasons.
Dental crowns repair teeth with extensive damage or decay and restore their aesthetic appearance. Only Kids Dentistry may be reached at 239 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702, or 211 E Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677. Call our Waterloo office at (319) 234-2227 or our Waverly office at (319) 352-4427 to book an appointment in your desired place.
