Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
What are Porcelain Crowns?
A crown sometimes referred to as cap are a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth coloured crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and colour or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.
Reasons for crowns:
A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
Treatment
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.
Before the procedure
- The dentist makes a first evaluation and takes one or more x-rays of the area to prepare for the procedure and typically takes a mould used to create the custom crown.
Tooth preparation
- While your teeth are numb, the natural tooth or adjacent teeth to the missing gap is given minor preparation or adjustments. A teeth impression is made and sent off to the dental laboratory to be made. A temporary crown or bridge is attached.
Attaching The new Crown
- At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
End result
- The end result is a new tooth or gap replacement. Care for your new crowns and bridges is required in brushing and flossing should be done as recommended by your dentist.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
