About Crowns

About Crowns

Like the name implies, a crown is designed to sit atop a tooth that is too damaged to be fixed with a filling. This type of extensive damage can be caused by tooth decay, but it can also result from a tooth that has been cracked or chipped. There are other reasons people put crowns on their teeth. For example, if a bridge is needed, a crown helps hold it into place.

Crowns can also be created for reasons that are purely cosmetic. Severely discolored teeth and/or teeth that are misshapen can be topped with crowns to create a look that is more visually pleasing. And today, some people cap perfectly healthy teeth in gold as a status symbol.

A lot of preparation is required before a crown can be properly affixed to a tooth. The tooth typically has to be made smaller to ensure a proper fit. This is accomplished by filing the tooth. Sometimes, not much of the tooth remains and it must first be built up.

When damage or decay is extensive, the patient may first need a root canal - a procedure which remedies pulp that has been infected or inflamed. If this procedure isn't done, there's an increased chance of losing the tooth.

After the tooth's size and underlying root and pulp issues have been addressed, the next step is to create an impression. That's an important step because the crown must be the correct size or it will be useless. An impression is basically a mold of the tooth from which the crown will be created. To ensure the crowned tooth won't in any way affect the bite, impressions of surrounding teeth are also made.

After the impressions are made, they are sent to the laboratory where the permanent crown will be crafted. Crowns can be produced using a number of different materials including ceramic, metal or a combination of metal and porcelain. A temporary crown, which you'll wear until your permanent crown is fitted, can be made out of stainless steel or plastic right there in the dentist's office.

When the permanent crown is ready, you'll return to the dentist where the crown will be fitted and adjusted as necessary. When all is perfect, the crown is permanently attached to the tooth using cement. After the crown is put into place, you may still experience some problems such as sensitivity or discomfort. If so, return to the dentist and discuss the feelings. The crown may require repositioning. And if there still is a nerve under the crown, it may be reacting to hot and cold causing sensitivity.

A crown is a very durable dental treatment and it's not uncommon for one to last decades. But during that time you could experience problems with the crown. It might chip, especially if it is porcelain. Or the cement might begin to wash away partially or completely. If any of these problems arise, you'll need to return to the dentist. Bacteria and acids can leak onto the tooth when crowns are loose or they fall out and this can lead to tooth decay.

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