Dental crown

Dental Crown

A Dental crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Dental crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are various types of dental crowns, notably:

• Metal crowns: These include gold alloy, other alloys (for example, palladium), or a base-metal alloy (for example, nickel or chromium).

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: This type of crown can be color matched to your adjacent teeth.

• All-resin: These crowns are less expensive but wear down over time and are more prone to fractures.

• All-ceramic or all-porcelain: These dental crowns provide the best natural color match than any other crown type and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies.

Procedure

The procedure for placing a dental crown typically involves a series of steps:

1. The dentist prepares the tooth by removing its outer portion so the crown will fit. Any decay is also removed.
2. An impression is made to provide an exact model for the crown.
3. The impressions are sent to a lab, where the crown is made.
4. During that time, you will have a temporary crown. These crowns are usually made of acrylic and are held in place using a temporary cement.
5. The crown is cemented into place.

Risks and Complications

While dental crowns are generally safe, there are a few risks and potential complications, such as:

• Discomfort or sensitivity
• Chipped crown
• Loose crown
• Crown falls off
• Allergic reaction

Aftercare

After the procedure, it's important to look after your teeth to ensure the longevity of the crown. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist.

See Also

• Dental restoration
• Dental implant
• Dental cement

Dental crown Resources
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