How Does a Dental Crown Work?

A crown is a cover or cap that we put over an injured tooth to help restore its shape Dentist Robina, strength, and appearance. It can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, zirconia, resin, ceramic, gold or chromium. They can also be combined with other treatments, such as veneers or bridgework.

The process of getting a dental crown starts with your dentist preparing the tooth that will receive the crown for treatment. This is done by removing necrotic (dead) tissue using a drill and reshaping the tooth enamel to accommodate the crown’s shape.

It is important that the natural tooth is strong enough to support the crown, so your dentist will examine it for any signs of fracture or weakening. If the tooth is severely damaged, a crown may not be the best option for you and your dentist may recommend a root canal or other restorative treatment first.

You might have to come in for two visits to get a crown: one visit to prepare the tooth for the crown and another visit to place the final crown. Your dentist might also give you a temporary crown to wear during the time that you’re waiting for your permanent crown.

When you come in for the first visit, your dentist will numb your mouth and shave down any decay or decal on your tooth so that the crown fits correctly when it’s placed. They will also take impressions of the tooth that will receive the crown and those surrounding it to ensure that it blends in well with your other teeth.

If you are getting a traditional crown, this process can take weeks before your new crown is ready. Your dentist will then make an impression of the trimmed tooth and its surrounds and send it to a lab that makes your crown.

Alternatively, your dentist might use a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) machine to create the crown in their office. This method usually takes about 1 to 2 hours and can be completed in the same day.

The material used in making your crown depends on the specific needs of your tooth. For example, if you have a front tooth that needs to be covered, your dentist might choose a more esthetic alternative, such as zirconia or resin. If you have a back tooth, your dentist might choose stainless steel.

You can also have a crown made from a special material that is not metal, such as acrylic resin. These types of crowns are usually matched to the shade of your natural teeth and can look more natural than a metallic one.

Your dentist will also have to decide on the type of core filling that is needed to provide adequate stability for your crown. For teeth that have had a root canal, the dentist might insert a metal ‘post’ into the end of the tooth first to provide the necessary anchorage for the core filling.

During your second visit, the dentist will cement your new dental crown in place over the prepared tooth and its surroundings. Your new crown may feel a little strange at first, but it will soon become normal in your mouth and function just like your other teeth. It is essential that you take good care of your new crown by brushing and flossing as recommended to maintain its longevity.