Dental crowns are caps that are permanently attached to teeth and dental implants. Dental crowns serve as prosthetic devices to protect damaged or weakened teeth. They are also used in common teeth replacement procedures such as dental implants and bridges. A crown is placed on top of a tooth or implant and works the same way as a natural tooth. Crowns can be made of gold and silver, but many choose from material such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite-resin material so they can be color-matched.
Dental crowns work well for the following situations:
- Dental bridges
- Dental implants
- Restoring damaged teeth
- Replacing large fillings
- Fixing tooth discoloration
- Reshaping odd-shaped teeth
- Treating a root canal
How are dental crowns attached?
To attach a crown to natural teeth, the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit on it easily. Next, the dentist will take a mouth impression to design your crown. You will receive a temporary crown during this time. Temporary crowns can damage or loosen easily, so avoid hard and sticky food. When your permanent crown is ready, it will be attached with cement.
For dental implants, the process is a bit different. The patient will receive a temporary crown while the dental implant heals, which could take 4-6 months. Once the implant has healed, an abutment will be used to attach the permanent crown to the dental implant.
What maintenance is required for dental crowns?
Treat dental crowns the same as you would your natural teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to prevent decay and periodontal disease. Do not eat candy or other hard foods, as they can cause damage. If your crown breaks or becomes loose, call your dentist immediately. If you wait too long, bacteria can form, requiring additional dental work.
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