Dental Crowns & Caps

A tooth crown, also known as a dental crown or a dental cap, is a prosthetic restoration that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It is designed to cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection, strength, and improvement in appearance.

A tooth crown is typically made of durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. It is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result.

A tooth crown, also known as a dental crown or dental cap, offers several benefits:

• Protection and Restoration: A tooth crown provides protection and support to a weakened or damaged tooth. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, preventing further decay, fractures, or damage.
• Enhanced Strength and Function: A crown restores the strength and functionality of a compromised tooth. It allows you to bite, chew, and speak properly, without discomfort or difficulty.
• Aesthetics and Natural Appearance: Dental crowns are designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. They can improve the appearance of a misshapen, discolored, or damaged tooth, enhancing your smile and overall dental aesthetics.
• Long-lasting Solution: A well-maintained tooth crown can last for many years. The durable materials used in their construction, such as porcelain or ceramic, are resistant to wear and provide long-term durability.
• Comfortable Fit: Dental crowns are custom-made to ensure a precise fit and optimal comfort. They are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a comfortable and natural feel.
• Versatile Applications: Crowns can be used for various dental issues, including extensive decay, cracks, fractures, root canal-treated teeth, and cosmetic improvements. They offer versatility in addressing different dental concerns.
• Improved Oral Health: By restoring damaged teeth, a tooth crown helps maintain good oral health. It prevents further decay or damage, reducing the risk of complications and the need for more extensive dental treatments in the future.

It’s important to consult with a dentist to determine if a tooth crown is an appropriate treatment for your specific dental condition. They can evaluate your oral health, discuss the benefits and potential risks, and provide personalized recommendations for your dental care.

The tooth crown procedure typically involves the following steps:

• Examination and Preparation: Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of the tooth that needs a crown. They will assess its condition and determine if a crown is an appropriate treatment. If a crown is recommended, the dentist will begin the preparation process. This involves numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable procedure.
• Tooth Reshaping: To accommodate the crown, the tooth may need reshaping. The dentist will carefully remove a small amount of tooth structure from the top and sides. This step ensures that the crown fits properly and securely over the tooth.
• Impressions or Digital Scanning: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth or use digital scanning technology to create precise molds. These molds serve as a blueprint for the dental laboratory to fabricate your custom crown. The color shade of your natural teeth will also be determined during this step to ensure a seamless match.
• Temporary Crown Placement: While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown is usually made of acrylic and serves as a temporary restoration until the final crown is ready.
• Crown Fabrication: The impressions or digital scans are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create your custom tooth crown. The crown is typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
• Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dental office for its placement. The dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and carefully place the permanent crown over the prepared tooth. They will ensure a proper fit, check the bite alignment, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve optimal comfort and functionality.
• Bonding and Polishing: The dentist will bond the crown to the tooth using dental cement or adhesive. Excess cement is removed, and the crown is polished to achieve a smooth and natural appearance.

The tooth crown procedure is typically completed in two separate appointments. Your dentist will provide instructions on caring for your new crown and may schedule a follow-up visit to ensure everything is functioning properly. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure the longevity of your tooth crown.

The cost of a tooth crown can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Geographic Location: Dental fees can vary from one city or region to another.
• Material: The type of material used for the crown can affect the cost. Crowns can be made from different materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials.
• Complexity: The complexity of the tooth’s condition and the amount of preparation required can influence the cost.
• Dental Clinic: The fees charged by different dental clinics may vary based on their expertise, reputation, and location.

It’s essential to consult with your dentist for an accurate estimate as they can evaluate your specific case and provide you with a more precise cost based on your needs. Dental insurance may partially cover the cost of a tooth crown, so it’s recommended to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur.