The Dental Crown Procedure Explained for Troy Residents

A routine visit to the dentist should really be a biannual plan for everyone so that you can have a proper cleaning and exam. Having said that, some individuals may have to go to their dentist’s office more than twice in order to have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals done. If this is the situation for you, you may well be searching the internet searching for an explanation of the procedure you’re going to undergo. It’s natural to be curious, but there is no need to be scared.

The most popular procedure is crowns, which are also called “caps”, and they are used to preserve or protect a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be made of three different restorative materials (all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold), which materials are chosen to create the crown depends on a variety of needs including strength requirements, esthetic demands, and space available for the restoration.

The need for a crown arises when decay or damage to a tooth is too much to be helped with a veneer, or if a root canal has occurred. Subject to what material is chosen to create your crown, it will either be produced at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Prior to receiving the crown, it is typical to have a consultation visit where your dentist will go over preparation processes for the procedure and take impressions of your existing tooth in order to make the right sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown could be placed on the damaged tooth to protect it until final placement.

During a second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and fastened in. Some patients may require a local anesthetic; but this is generally painless to the majority of patients. The crown will be looked over by the dentist for how it is placed; ensuring it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You might be asked to look in a mirror to check the shape and color. Once both you and your dentist are content with the crown as a whole, the crown can be cemented in place and any extra dental cement will be scraped away by the dentist.

After the placement of a crown, your dentist will offer you with details about proper care for your new crown. Typical practices of brushing twice daily and flossing will help to prevent the development of plaque and gum disease. It is advisable to avoid chewing ice or other hard foods, grinding or clenching your teeth, and biting your fingernails, as these can lead to damage of the dental crown.

Dental Crown Materials

As described previously, crowns can be made of several materials depending on the need of the patient.

All-ceramic crowns are commonly more esthetically pleasing because the translucency of the material causes them to look nearly the same as natural teeth. These crowns do not require any metal and are able to use less material, which makes them a great choice for a limited space in the mouth. The durability of the all-cement crown is good, but really should not be used for people who have a tendency to grind or clench their teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the second most esthetically pleasing choice. The metal inside the crown takes away some of the translucency in the porcelain but provides needed durability and support. It is important to realize that as gum recession takes place, the metal portion of the crown could become visible.
A gold crown is not as popular as it used to be, mainly for esthetic reasons. However, a gold crown has a lot to offer in strength and durability, especially for molars and those who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice material when thinking about the wear and tear on the bordering teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.