Use of a Dental Crown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods and cemented into place. A crown is used to cap or completely cover a tooth.
The dentist prepares the tooth to match the shape of the crown. This process involves removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner core. The amount of the tooth removed is the same as the thickness of the crown. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist takes an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and possibly another to mark the way the patient bites together. The impressions are then handed over to the dental technician, along with an appropriate shade and other information needed for the crown to be made. When the dentist is happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown it will be fixed in place with special dental cement or adhesive. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in place.
This procedure requires at least two visits to the dentist:
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The first visit is for the preparation, impression, shade-taking and fitting of a temporary crown.
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The second visit is to fit the permanent crown.
There is usually a gap of about a week or two in-between appointments.
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
- To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
