Crowns and caps can repair damage that involves a cracked tooth or broken teeth which can lead to cosmetic issues as well as long-term bite problems.
A great solution is the use of a cap. These dental works are beneficial to restoring the strength of a tooth and in improving the appearance of a smile. It also relieves pain, prevents further damage, and increases functionality by providing proper bite alignment.
Your dentist will examine your tooth and its root to determine whether a crown or bridge is suitable for restoration and if any additional procedures may be required to proceed.
The examination may involve analyzing X-rays and impressions and, depending on the severity or nature of the situation, they may refer you to a specialist such as a periodontist or oral surgeon for further examination.
You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your tooth, followed by its preparation to support the crown.
The practitioner will clean the tooth that will use the cap and remove any signs of decay. If it is too damaged, they will apply a filling to build it up. Then they will then reshape your tooth using a small drill which enables the crown to fit accordingly.
A dental impression is taken and sent to a dental lab for design and manufacture.
To make sure that your crown will fit perfectly for your bite, an impression will be taken. A temporary unit will be put in place to protect your tooth until you return for your second visit, which should be in about 2-3 weeks.
It is important to take care of the temporary crown and take some precautions including avoiding hard foods, and properly flossing to avoid pulling the crown.
In your second visit, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to begin removing your temporary crown.
Your dentist will use a special type of acid which will cause a rough surface that enables the cement to form a strong bond between the tooth and your crown.
They will then fit your new cap over your tooth, and check the fit and color before permanently cementing it.
Precision is extremely important in this process to avoid gaps that can allow any type of bacteria to enter. Dental cement is finally applied to fix your crown in place.
This process typically takes 2 visits and will only require longer sessions should you need special procedures such as a root canal, or any gum treatment.