The anatomy of the tooth has two basic parts, the root and the crown. If the gum and bones are healthy, they cover up the root of the tooth. The part of the tooth which is visible is known as the crown. It is below and above the gum line in upper and lower teeth, respectively.
A dental crown is different and is a cemented restoration for the teeth, which partially or entirely covers the outside part of the tooth.
Let us take a look at the situations wherein a dental crown is required.
Filling, Particularly a Large Filling
If there is a cavity or fracture in the crown, which covers up to half the tooth’s width, it needs to be restored by using a dental crown.
The filling would not suffice in such an event because the original tooth around the filling becomes weak and is vulnerable to breakage or chipping.
There are also some cases wherein there has been a filling in a tooth for a long duration. The tooth may have to be restored with a crown because it now shows signs of cracking in the surface surrounding the filling.
Following a Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure hollows out the tooth. The remainder of the tooth then becomes vulnerable to cracking. Therefore, it is important to cover up a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure with a crown in minimum time.
1. Cracked Tooth Syndrome
This is a condition wherein the inside of the tooth is fractured. This results in pain when the patient bites in a particular way.
The section is vulnerable, and when it is used for chewing food, it enhances the stress over fracture lines.
But upon placing a crown over such a tooth, the stress is distributed uniformly over the entire tooth. This is very likely to eliminate the pain.
At times, a temporary crown is applied over the tooth to gauge its performance. If it is effective for eliminating the pain, it is replaced with a permanent crown.
2. Excessive Wearing of the Teeth
Teeth sometimes become shorter over time due to grinding the teeth or acidic erosion. Acidic erosion may occur due to disorders such as GERD (Gastronomic acidic reflux) or bulimia.
There are cases wherein enamel wears off completely. What remains is small and soft teeth. Covering up with a crown restores the normal functioning of the teeth, such as the bite function.
3. Boosting the Appearance
Crowns and veneers are sometimes used to improve the teeth’ appearance and make them look natural.
Crowns and dental bridges are also placed atop dental implants. This restores space left from missing teeth.
Let us take a look at the procedure for getting a dental crown.
The tooth is initially numbed by using local anesthesia. It may have to be built up before putting a crown over it if it has been fractured or has undergone a root canal procedure.
A filling makes the tooth structure tougher. It puts the tooth in a better position to support a crown.
Following the filling, the tooth is shaved. This makes room for the crown.
The impression of the tooth is then taken with a digital scanner or putty-like substance. The tooth’s shade is then determined to ensure that the crown is matching and gives a natural appearance to the teeth.
A temporary crown is placed upon the tooth, while a permanent crown is ready to replace it. A few of the prime materials used for creating a permanent crown include gold alloy, metal alloys, porcelain, ceramic, stainless steel, zirconia, and composite resin.
After the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown placed atop the tooth. It is tested across parameters such as smoothness, bite, and fit. Any necessary changes are made, and the permanent crown is cemented over the teeth.
There is little pain involved with getting a crown for a tooth as the procedure is performed under the effect of local anesthesia. Once the effect of anesthesia withers, there is some soreness, but this too is temporary. OTC painkillers can be used to overcome the discomfort.
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Dental crowns last for 10 to 20 years, and they can be replaced once they come off. Dental crowns are important because they safeguard the tooth and restore its functionality.
Tooth bridge cost varies from one dentist to another. You can inquire about the same at your nearest dental clinic.
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