What Is A Dental Crown And Why Is It Needed?
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth. It is tooth shaped and used to restore a damaged tooth to its original shape and size or to strengthen or improve a tooth’s appearance.
Crowns may be required for a variety of reasons:
- To protect a tooth that has been cracked or broken
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
- To cover misshapen or discolored teeth
- To hold a dental bridge in place or to cover a dental implant
What Does a Crown Procedure Involve?
A crown will require multiple visits to complete. In the first visit, the Dr. McManus will prepare the tooth by first anesthetizing, or numbing, the tooth. Next the tooth will be filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for a crown. Any decay on the tooth will also be removed. Be aware that some crowns will first require a root canal depending on the extent of tooth damage or decay. Once the existing tooth is ready, Dr. McManus will make an impression of the tooth using putty. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be made. Before you leave your first visit, Dr. McManus will place a temporary crown over your tooth to offer protection until the permanent crown is ready.
When the dental office receives the permanent crown, you will go back for another visit to have the temporary crown removed and the permanent crown installed.
You can expect your dental crown to last 5 – 15 years depending on the amount of wear and use the crown is exposed to as well as your personal oral hygiene habits.
A dental crown can be somewhat expensive, but dental insurance policies will generally cover a portion of the cost. Always check with your dental insurance company first.
