Dental Crown
Description
A dental prosthesis is a crown-like cap which has the shape of a real tooth. A ring is placed over a tooth damaged by decay or by fracture, to cover and protect it by restoring its shape, aesthetics, its size and strength. Once cemented, a dental crown completely covers the portion of the tooth is above the gum. Porcelain is the material which is mainly used for making crowns since it has the most aesthetic. A crown therefore looks like a real tooth, by its shape and color.
Reasons why a crown is necessary
A damaged tooth, and which requires a dental crown, may be living or devitalized by a root canal. If the tooth is alive, it would require a crown if it has previously been a big decay or a fracture that is maintained even when away from the pulp chamber (nerve). There are several reasons why a tooth needs a crown :
- To protect a weak tooth (for example by decay) contre fracture
- To restore an already broken tooth or severely worn tooth;
- To restore a decayed tooth with a root canal (decay or removal of nerve)
- To cover and support a tooth that has a large filling (plombage) when not much healthy tooth material;
- To cover a tooth malformed or severely discolored;
- To cover a dental implant
Types of crowns
Several materials can be used for making a dental crown. There is no universal ideal material. The choice depends on many factors, including the location of the tooth and aesthetics required.
A metal alloy crown: It is very resistant to forces
mastication, se fracture rarement, but can cause wear to opposing teeth. The metallic color is the main disadvantage of this type of crown and this decreases its popularity. The crowns are made in the laboratory using a dental impression that is taken of the tooth; must then protect the tooth with a temporary crown during the period which is about a few weeks
A ceramic crown fused to metal (metal-ceramic crown): is more aesthetic than metal crown. Ceramics makes its appearance very similar to that of a natural tooth. The metal part , ending up underneath the ceramic , helps to give strength to the tooth. Ceramic is very strong, but it is less than metal and can fracture. Sometimes the metal under the porcelain may seem, especially at the gum.
An all-ceramic crown is one which is more aesthetic. The appearance and color can match the qualities of natural teeth. Full ceramic crowns are recommended for anterior teeth (en avant) promoting beauty and offering a better appearance of the smile.
Steps to prepare a crown
Before starting any treatment, the dentist should examine the tooth that needs the crown as well as its X-ray. It must determine whether there is presence of decay and if the tooth must first be devitalized by a root canal treatment. If the decay is necessary, it must be made
in prime locations. If the root canal is not necessary, make sure that the tooth is cleaned of all cavities and replace any old filling on this tooth. The preparation of a crown is done in three to four appointments with the dentist : During the first visit, dental tooth size by slightly reducing around to create space for the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken to be sent to the dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. A temporary crown is then placed on the tooth and will remain there until the next appointment. The second visit is usually short and the fitting is made of metal clevis The third appointment is the fitting of the ceramic part and the fourth appointment is gluing the final crown. and place two to three weeks later the permanent crown for cementing.
Care to the temporary crown
A temporary crown (or provisional) lasts only a few weeks pending the construction of the permanent crown in the laboratory. She is weak and requires some care it does not break : -Avoid sticky foods, as caramel, or chewing gum, -Avoid hard foods that could fracture the temporary crown; -try not to chew on the side of the mouth where the temporary crown is; -if the temporary crown falls or fracture, do not panic, but call your dentist to warn.
Life of a crown
A crown can last between 5 and 20 years. Life depends mainly on oral hygiene, maintenance, material of the crown , and also oral habits. To cringe, chewing ice or biting her nails are conditions that may break down or even break a crown. If a crown comes off of his tooth without breaking, it can simply be put back in place with cement provided that the tooth is not decayed or fractured . If a ring has a major fracture, it should ideally be redone. A minor fracture can sometimes be repaired by the dentist.
Maintenance of a crown
It must be remembered that although a crown can be carier, the tooth below may be exposed to decay and periodontal diseases. It is then necessary to maintain good hygiene methods including brushing and flossing and interdental bosses. During routine visits to the dentist, it checks the status of the tooth, etat of the gencive, the condition of the crown and its adaptation. It is advised to make a routine examination every six months to check the general condition of the mouth and teeth.