Dental Caps: Types, Procedure, Risks, and Care
Depending on the condition of your oral cavity, your dentist performs several procedures. Some of them such as dental cleanings, fillings, and bonding, are routine procedures. However, there are other more involving procedures such as root canal, dental crowns, and wisdom teeth extraction that are easy.
A tooth cap or a crown is a prosthetic object fixed on damaged enamel. Its main purpose is to cover a damaged tooth. Specialists make dental caps by taking an impression of the tooth it covers. Before fixing a permanent crown, your dentist will fit a temporary tooth cap.
Types of Crowns
There are four different types of dental crowns. They include:
- Ceramic. Due to their ability to blend in with your natural tooth, dentists use them to restore your front teeth. The crown is made from porcelain material.
- Porcelain fused to metal. Unlike regular porcelain, this crown provides a stronger bond since it is fused with metal. They are more durable than ceramic crowns.
- Base metal alloys. Manufacturers make these crowns out of non-noble and non-corrosive metals. Unlike other crowns, it needs the least teeth to be shed before fitting.
- Gold alloys. This crown is a mixture of gold and other metals. These crowns are strong and durable.
Why Do You Need a Dental Crown?
You might need a dental crown in the following situations:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Holding together cracked tooth
- Restore already broken tooth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a dental implant and or filling
- For cosmetic purposes
Children can need crowns for:
- Restore milk teeth that have been damaged and can’t hold a dental filling
- Protect the tooth that is in high risk for decay
- To reduce the frequency of general anesthesia due to their age and medical history.
Steps Involved in Placing a Tooth Crown
The process of placing a crown involves two visits to the dentist. At Rossland Landing Dental Care, the first step is examining the tooth and preparation, while the second involves placing the permanent crown.
Examination and Preparation
During the first visit, your dentist might take x-ray images to check the root and surrounding bone of the tooth receiving a crown. If your dentist finds the tooth with extensive decay, he or she might perform a root canal treatment first. Also if your root is damaged, your dentist can recommend a pulp cap.
Before making a crown, your dentist will numb your mouth. He will then reshape the tooth along the chewing surface and the sides to make room for a crown. After reshaping your tooth, an Ajax dentist uses a paste to make an impression of your crown. He or she will also make an impression of the teeth, to ensure the crown does not affect your bite.
Your dentist sends the impressions to a dental lab where they will make the permanent crown. After choosing the color that matches your natural tooth color, your dentist will place a temporary dental crown.
Placing a Permanent Crown
During this visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. He or she will then place the permanent crown and check if it fits and matches the other teeth. Once your dentist confirms that the crown fits, he or she will numb your mouth. The dentist will then cement the permanent crown in place.
Risks Associated With Dental Crowns
- The tooth with the crown can become sensitive after receiving a dental crown as soon as the anesthesia wears out
- Your crown can get chipped in an accident or while playing contact sports
- Crowns can fall off
- Metal crowns can lead to the development of allergic reactions
Caring Tips
Permanent crowns are durable. However, to ensure that they are in place, dentists recommend the following precaution measures:
- Brush your teeth gently at least twice daily
- Floss your teeth once in a day
- Avoid using any tobacco products
- Ensure that the fluoride content you consume is of the right measurements
- Do not chew on ice or use your teeth or crowns to open bottles or wrappers
- If your crown is a temporary one avoid sticky foods
- Do not play contact sports without a mouthguard
- Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups