If you talk to your dentist about common restorative procedures, they will probably mention crowns. Often called a cap, a crown is more like an encasing that covers the tooth’s surface and keeps it in its original shape and size. A dental crown is meant to protect the tooth and add to its strength and function. It is often recommended when fillings and other restorative procedures cannot be considered for an impacted or injured tooth. If you are looking for detailed and customized answers, talk to a Manhattan, NY dentist to know more. Here are some key things to/ know about dental crowns.
What are the types of dental crowns?
There are all kinds of dental crowns, but the ones made of porcelain are the most common. These are meant to last for years, and you have to consider a replacement at some point. Porcelain is often fused with metal and other materials to create stronger dental crowns. The good news is porcelain can be used in a way to ensure that the crown matches the natural shape and color of your impacted/injured tooth.
When to consider dental crowns?
Your dentist may recommend going for dental crowns in different situations. Crowns are beneficial when you have a fractured or broken tooth or need to fix the color and shape of a tooth. Often also used for cosmetic reasons, dental crowns can help improve a discolored tooth. If you have a decayed tooth with a filling that doesn’t look as appealing, your dentist will suggest getting a crown to ensure the natural look. Also, dental crowns are used for large and fractured fillings. You will also need one when you have completed root canal therapy for an infected tooth, as the tooth becomes weak after the procedure.
How many appointments are required to get dental crowns?
You will need a couple of appointments to get a dental crown. During the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make molds, which are then sent to the lab to create customized dental crowns. The dentist may also suggest using a temporary dental crown until the permanent one comes back from the lab. If there is any decay, the dentist will remove the same and may work on the surface to remove a part of the enamel to make room for the crown. They will check if your bite is correct and whether further enamel must be removed to fix the dental crown.
The final appointment is about removing the temporary one and cementing the permanent crown.