What is Dental Crowns?

A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped covering or restoration that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It is designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance while also improving its functionality. Dental crowns are commonly used in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry to address various dental issues.

Here are some common reasons why a dentist might recommend a dental crown:

Protection of a weakened tooth: If a tooth has a large cavity, a significant portion of its structure has been removed due to decay, or it has undergone a root canal procedure, a dental crown can provide protection and support to prevent further damage.

Restoration of a broken or fractured tooth: A tooth that is cracked or has suffered a fracture can often be saved by covering it with a dental crown. This helps to hold the tooth together and prevent further damage.

Cosmetic enhancement: Dental crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a tooth. They can cover discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Support for dental bridges: Dental crowns are used as anchor points for dental bridges. They are placed on the teeth adjacent to a gap left by a missing tooth, and the bridge is attached to them to replace the missing tooth.

Covering dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone. A dental crown is often used to cover the implant, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement for a missing tooth.

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and a combination of materials. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the patient's aesthetic preferences, and the functional requirements of the crown.

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves multiple visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any damaged or decayed portions and shaping it to accommodate the crown. Impressions are then taken, and a temporary crown may be placed. In subsequent visits, the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory and then cemented onto the prepared tooth.

Dental crowns are a common and effective dental treatment that can help preserve and enhance the function and appearance of damaged or compromised teeth.



Advantages of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer several advantages in various dental situations. These custom-made caps or covers are typically placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Here are some of the key advantages of dental crowns:

Restoration of Tooth Function: Dental crowns are used to strengthen and protect weak or damaged teeth. They can help restore the normal function of a tooth, allowing you to bite and chew without discomfort.

Improved Aesthetics: Crowns can enhance the appearance of a tooth. They are made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile.

Durability: Crowns are usually made from strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys. These materials are highly durable and can withstand the forces of daily chewing and biting for many years.

Protection: Crowns provide a protective barrier for teeth that have undergone extensive dental work, such as root canals or large fillings. They help prevent further damage or fracture of the tooth.

Pain Relief: If you have a cracked or fractured tooth, a crown can hold the tooth together, reducing or eliminating pain caused by the damage.

Stability for Dental Bridges: Crowns are used to anchor dental bridges in place. They provide stability and support to replace missing teeth, improving your ability to chew and speak effectively.

Cosmetic Enhancement: In addition to restoring function, crowns can be used for purely cosmetic reasons. They can cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth, improving your smile's appearance.

Longevity: With proper care and oral hygiene, dental crowns can last for many years, making them a cost-effective dental treatment option.

Minimally Invasive: In some cases, only a minimal amount of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed to prepare it for a crown, preserving more of the healthy tooth compared to other dental restorations.

Customization: Crowns are custom-made to match the specific needs and preferences of each patient. They can be tailored to achieve the desired shape, size, and color for a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

It's important to note that while dental crowns have numerous advantages, they may not be suitable for every dental situation. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential to ensure the longevity of dental crowns and overall oral health.

Procedure

The procedure for getting a dental crown typically involves several steps and may require multiple visits to your dentist. Dental crowns are used to restore and strengthen damaged or decayed teeth. Here is a general outline of the procedure:

Consultation and Examination:

Your dentist will start by examining your tooth to determine if a crown is necessary and if it's the right treatment option for your condition. They may take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage.

Anesthesia:

If the tooth and surrounding area are not already numb, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

Tooth Preparation:

The dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decayed or damaged parts. This typically involves shaping the tooth so that the crown can fit securely over it. In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged or has a large filling, it may need to be built up with filling material to provide a stable foundation for the crown.

Impression:

After the tooth is prepared, an impression (mold) of the tooth and the surrounding teeth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental lab where the crown will be custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth.

Crown Fabrication:

At the dental lab, a dental technician will create your crown using the impression as a guide. The crown can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of materials. The choice of material will depend on factors such as the location of the tooth, aesthetic considerations, and your dentist's recommendations.

Temporary Crown:

If a temporary crown was placed, it will protect the prepared tooth while you wait for the permanent crown to be completed. It's important to be gentle with the temporary crown and avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods.

Crown Placement:

Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist for the final placement. The dentist will remove the temporary crown (if present) and check the fit and appearance of the new crown. Adjustments may be made as needed to ensure a proper fit and bite alignment.

Cementing the Crown:

Once both you and the dentist are satisfied with the crown's fit and appearance, the crown is cemented in place using a dental adhesive. Any excess cement is removed, and the crown is polished to match the adjacent teeth.

Final Check and Bite Adjustment:

The dentist will perform a final check to ensure that your bite is comfortable and that the crown functions properly when you chew and speak. Adjustments may be made to the crown's shape or your bite if necessary.

Post-Procedure Care:

Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your new crown, including oral hygiene practices and any restrictions on eating or chewing.

Dental crowns in bangalore are a common and effective way to restore damaged teeth, and with proper care, they can last for many years. If you experience any issues or discomfort with your crown, be sure to contact your dentist for evaluation and potential adjustments.

Do you want to improve dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance? Visit Lalitha Dental Clinic in Jayanagar, Bangalore. Let our professionals makeover your beautiful smile.

For appointments, Call us at +91 80 2677 0119 / 97409 80373

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