What is a Tooth Cap? Your Guide to Dental Crowns

Apr 8, 2019 | Advanced Dental Treatments

According to a recent study, curative treatments are on the rise in Ireland.

Not only this, but more patients are going to the hospital with serious infections from tooth decay. These infections can spread to your gums and, over time, you can lose your teeth.

Luckily, with the right preventative measures, you can stop this from happening. One of the most popular and effective ways to protect a weak and damaged tooth is with a tooth cap or dental crown.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to dental crowns.

What Is a Tooth Cap?

As the name suggests, a tooth cap is a cap that goes over your tooth. The cap has the same shape as the tooth and protects it from further damage. Dental crowns restore a tooth’s:

  • Shape
  • Size
  • Strength

A crown can also help improve the appearance of your tooth.

Reasons You May Need a Tooth Cap

The most common reason for needing a dental crown is if you have a weak tooth. This could be due to natural decay or from breaking your tooth.

It could also be from not following the correct dental hygiene routine. Your dentist may also insert a cap if you have a large filling.

Additionally, you may need tooth caps to hold your dental bridge in place or to cover a dental implant. Crowns are also popular for covering teeth that you don’t like the shape or colour of.

The Different Types of Crowns

Dental crowns come in a variety of materials. The material you chose will depend on your needs as well as your budget.

Dentists use stainless steel crowns on permanent teeth as a temporary measure as they don’t have to be custom made. They also don’t require regular visits to the dentist. This means they’re the most cost-effective option alongside resin crowns.

Metal crowns are the most durable option. The biggest drawback is the colour of them. But, you can also go for porcelain-fused to metal dental crowns where the dentist will match the colour to your other teeth.

All ceramic and porcelain crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing option. With these, your dentist can match the colour of the crowns to that of your teeth. You can also use these for both your back and front teeth.

Understanding the Procedure

If you need dental crowns, you’ll have to go to the dentist twice. Here is a step-by-step guide of the dental crown procedure:

  • Take X-rays of the teeth
  • Check for extensive decay
  • Anaesthetise the tooth and gum tissue
  • File or fill the tooth
  • Take an impression of the teeth or tooth with putty and a digital scanner

Your dentist will then send your tooth impressions to a lab where they will make your crowns. During your second visit, your dentist will fit your permanent crowns.

Learn More About Dental Crowns from Shields Dental and Implant Clinic

Following a good and consistent dental hygiene routine can help you avoid getting a tooth cap altogether. That said, accidents do happen and if you break a tooth or need crowns for any other reason, it’s important you choose the best dentist.

If you need to book an appointment with a dentist, why not contact Shield Dental and Implant Clinic today? We offer a full dental service to meet all our clients’ needs.

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