Dental crowns are a common restorative procedure that can greatly improve the appearance and functionality of damaged or decayed teeth. Expert dentists often recommend this treatment to patients who have large cavities, broken teeth, or after root canal therapy. The process involves creating a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the affected tooth, restoring its size, shape, strength, and improving its appearance.
The dental crown procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist’s office. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown. This involves removing any decay and reshaping the tooth using a drill so that it can accommodate the crown properly. After this is done, an impression of your teeth is taken using either a paste or putty or digitally with a scanner. The impressions are then sent off to a dental lab where your custom-made crown will be created.
While you wait click here for more information your permanent crown to be made – which typically takes about two weeks – you’ll receive a temporary one to protect your prepared tooth in the meantime. This temporary solution is not as sturdy as its permanent counterpart but serves well enough until your next appointment.
During your second visit, your dentist will remove this temporary crown and check if the new one fits correctly on your prepared tooth before cementing it into place permanently. Your bite will also be checked to ensure proper alignment with other teeth.
Dental crowns can be made from several materials such as porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-ceramic (all-porcelain), gold alloys (gold mixed with other metals) or base-metal alloys like nickel-chromium alloy crowns. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages related mainly to cost, durability and aesthetics; hence choice depends on individual patient needs.
The lifespan of dental crowns varies depending on oral hygiene practices and personal habits such as grinding teeth or chewing ice but generally lasts between 5-15 years. Regular check-ups allow dentists to monitor the condition of your crown and take action if necessary.
Although dental crowns are a safe procedure, like any other medical or dental procedure, they do carry some risk. Potential problems include discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth, chipping of the crown material, loosening or even falling out of the crown. However, these risks are relatively low and can be effectively managed by your dentist.
In conclusion, dental crowns represent an effective solution for restoring damaged teeth to their original form while also enhancing their aesthetic appearance. Despite being a multi-step process requiring at least two visits to the dentist’s office, many patients find that the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience involved.
