Understanding Dental Crown Procedure and Purpose
Dental crowns play a critical role in restorative dentistry, serving as a versatile solution to a wide variety of dental concerns. These custom-made caps are designed to fit on top of a damaged or weakened tooth to provide strength, protection, and aesthetic improvement.
Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX offers a variety of dental services including restorative procedures such as dental crowns. In this article, we’ll explore dental crown procedure and purpose.
What is the Purpose of a Dental Crown?
One of the primary purposes of a dental crown is to restore the structure of a compromised tooth. Teeth that are impacted by significant decay, fractures, or large cavities often lose strength and functionality. A dental crown acts as a protective shell, encapsulating the entire visible portion of the affected tooth, restoring its original size and shape.
Beyond this purpose, dental crowns offer additional benefits, including:
Reinforcement/strengthening
Dental crowns reinforce a weak or damaged tooth, improving strength and durability. This is especially beneficial for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, as the removal of the dental pulp can increase the risk of tooth fracture. A dental crown serves as a shield, preventing further damage and promoting long-term oral health.
Aesthetic enhancement
In addition to their functional role, a dental crown can significantly improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. They can be made to match the color, size, and shape of the natural teeth, blending seamlessly with existing natural teeth. This can improve overall facial harmony and improve the patient’s confidence.
Protection of dental implants
A dental crown is also a major component of dental implants. They are attached to the implant abutment, serving as the visible, functional part of the tooth restoration. The crown is designed to mimic the appearance of the natural tooth, as well as facilitate proper chewing and speech functionality.
Treatment for Misshapen/Discolored Teeth
Crowns are often used to address minor cosmetic issues such as misshapen or discolored teeth. The crown is placed on the affected tooth, effectively creating a uniform appearance and an aesthetically pleasing smile.
How Does the Dental Crown Procedure Work?
There are several steps involved in dental crown placement, usually taking place over two or more appointments. Here’s what you can expect if you need a dental crown at Glow Up Dentistry:
Initial Exam/Assessment
The first step to every procedure at Glow Up Dentistry is a thorough examination, especially of the affected tooth. Typically, x-rays and other imaging may be used to determine the extent of the damage, as well as the overall health of the affected tooth and the surrounding structures. This will determine if a crown is the appropriate course of action and, if so, we will discuss the various options.
Preparing the Tooth
Once the decision to proceed with a dental crown has been made, the tooth will be prepared. This involves removing decayed/damaged portions of the tooth, reshaping it to accommodate the crown, and creating adequate space for the crown. In some cases, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove decayed/infected dental pulp, preventing further deterioration.
Impression Taking
Once the tooth has been prepared, an impression will be taken of the tooth. This can be done with dental putty or via digital scanning technology. This will be sent to a dental lab and will serve as the mold to ensure a custom-fitted crown that perfectly matches the bite and surrounding teeth.
Placement of Temporary Crown
Since the tooth is now more vulnerable due to the prep work, a temporary crown will be placed on it while the permanent one is being fabricated. This will help to protect the tooth and ensure full functionality until the final restoration is ready.
Fabrication of Permanent Crown
The skilled technicians at the dental lab will use the impression to create a permanent crown. There are several materials to choose from, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. The choice depends on a variety of factors including the location of the affected tooth, aesthetics, and durability.
Final Crown Placement
Once the permanent crown is ready, the patient will return to the dentist for the final placement. The temporary crown will be removed, and the dentist will carefully assess the fit, color, and shape of the permanent crown. In some cases, minor adjustments may be made to ensure the most comfortable bite and natural appearance.
Cementation
Once the patient approves, the permanent crown will be cemented onto the prepared tooth with dental adhesive. The dentist will ensure proper alignment and occlusion to guarantee optimal function and aesthetics.
Post-Placement Aftercare
Once the crown has been placed, the dentist will provide specific post-placement aftercare instructions. Typically, these instructions will include oral hygiene practices, dietary recommendations, and follow-up appointments to monitor the crown’s performance.
Dental Crowns: Restoring Appearance and Functionality
A dental crown plays a critical role in modern dentistry, addressing a wide variety of dental issues and restoring appearance and functionality. As technology continues to advance, dental crowns remain a cornerstone of restorative dentistry. In addition to restorative procedures, the team at Glow Up Dentistry also offers general and cosmetic dental care for patients of all ages.