Dental crowns are caps that are affixed to broken teeth. When fillings are ineffective, crowns are utilised to protect, cover, and restore the contour of your teeth. Metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics can all be used to create dental crowns. Over time, they normally only need frequent, decent oral hygiene and no extra maintenance.

What are dental crowns?

Your teeth may suffer damage over time. There are many potential causes for this, including tooth decay, trauma, or simple wear and tear. Teeth can change in size or shape. Dental crowns are "caps" that fit over your teeth and have the shape of teeth. Imagine it as a snug-fitting cap for your tooth. The crown gives the tooth back its original size, shape, strength, and look. The dental crown, which covers the visible part of the tooth, is cemented to your teeth.

When do I need a dental crown?

The dentist might recommend a dental crown for various reasons

• preventing a tooth that is at risk of breaking due to decay or holding the tooth together if it is broken in some places.
• repairing a tooth that has been extensively damaged or worn down.
• a tooth that has a big filling covering and supporting it, with little natural tooth remaining.
• maintaining a dental bridge in position.
• covering teeth that are badly stained or malformed.
• a dental implant's covering.
• covering a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.

What are metal crowns?

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of metals, including gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. Metal crowns are the least likely to chip or shatter, wear down the least quickly, and only need a small portion of your tooth to be removed. Additionally, they can tolerate chewing and biting forces. The biggest disadvantage of this kind of crown is its shiny tint. Metal crowns are a fantastic option for molars that are hidden from view.

Normally, two dental appointments are required to get a dental crown fixed for your teeth. Occasionally a dental crown is made in the same dental clinic

First Visit

The tooth that will get the crown is evaluated and prepped during the initial appointment. The tooth and the bone surrounding it are X-rayed. Your dentist may need to perform a root canal operation before placing the dental crown, if there's any

• dental decay
• risk of infection
• damage to the pulp of the tooth

The tooth that will receive a crown will have its top and sides filed down. This will free up room for the actual crown. Depending on the type of crown you have, different amounts of tooth must be filed away. Dental crowns made entirely of metal are less invasive than those made entirely of porcelain or porcelain bonded to metal because they are thinner. It is possible to "build up" enough tooth structure for the crown to cover if too much of your tooth is gone due to injury or decay.

After the tooth has been reshaped, a paste or putty is used to create a replica of the tooth that will support the crown (also known as an imprint). Additionally, impressions will be taken of the teeth above and below the tooth that will get a dental crown. To ensure that the crown won't alter your bite, this is done.

The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory. The crowns are created in the laboratory and often delivered to the dental clinic in two to three weeks. Your dentist will create a temporary crown during this initial appointment to cover and safeguard the prepared tooth while you wait for the permanent one.

Second Visit

You'd receive the permanent crown in the second appointment. First, the temporary crown is taken off, and the permanent crown's fit and colour are examined. If everything is in order, a local anaesthetic (sometimes known as a "numbing" medication) may be given to numb the tooth before the new crown is firmly affixed.

Precautions before permanent crown is fixed

You'd usually get a temporary crown in your first visit. These are the few precautions since temporary dental crowns are just a temporary repair until a permanent crown is available.

• Avoid chewy, sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum because they can grasp the crown and pull it off.
• Use the side of your mouth that has the temporary crown as little as possible. Move most of your chewing to the other side of your mouth.
• Avoid chewing tough foods like raw vegetables because doing so could shatter or dislodge the crown.
• When cleaning in between your teeth, slide the dental floss rather than lifting it out to prevent ripping off the temporary crown

Precautions after the treatment

The crown needs to be kept clean just like you would take care of your natural teeth. While the crown itself cannot deteriorate, the area where the crown's edge meets the tooth can do so. Dental crowns typically last five to fifteen years. The amount of "wear and tear" a crown experiences depends on how well you practise good oral hygiene, and your own mouth-related behaviours can all affect how long a crown will last. These oral habits may include the following:

• Your teeth are being ground or clenched.
• ice chewing.
• gnawing on one's fingernails
• Make use of your teeth to open containers.

Additional tips for better & brighter teeth are

• Floss your teeth at least once daily
• Brush at least twice daily
• Avoid chewing on hard foods
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Come in for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings