Dental Crowns (Caps)
What is a Dental Crown and when is one needed?
A crown is a complete covering (cap) for a tooth that is shaped and looks exactly like a tooth. A crown is used when a tooth has much tooth missing due to a cavity or fracture. If much tooth structure is missing, a filling may not be a good, long-term option. Therefore, a crown is utilized to cover and protect a tooth as a permanent restoration.
Crowns are used to:
- Restore a tooth’s strength, shape and function
- Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored tooth
- Restore dental implants
How is a dental crown made?
To fabricate a crown, the dentist will miniaturize the tooth by reducing all 5 sides of the tooth and then take an impression of it.A crown will be made from the impression. Crowns are made with numerous materials. Depending on the size, location and bite, a crown can be fabricated with:
- Gold
- Porcelain fused to metal
- All-ceramic materials like lithium disilicate (Emax) and zirconia.
How do I maintain a dental crown?
Crowns are placed with permanent cement and they are not removable. Crowns must be kept clean daily with the use of floss.