What is Crown? A Deep Dive into Dental Crowns
April 02, 2024
Introduction: Ever found yourself thinking, "What is a crown?" No, we're not talking about a shiny piece of headgear for royalty. Instead, we're diving into the realm of dentistry and exploring the ins and outs of dental crowns. Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a toothsome ride!
What is Crown? Ah, the million-dollar question! A dental crown, sometimes colloquially known as a "cap", is essentially a tooth-shaped "cap" that's placed over a tooth. It's designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and to improve its appearance. When cemented into place, the crown fully encases the visible portion of a tooth that lies above the gum line.
Why Get a Crown? The Top Reasons
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Tooth Decay: If you've been hitting the candy jar a bit too hard, your tooth might be saying, "Help! I can't handle this damage!" A crown can come to the rescue.
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Broken or Worn Teeth: Had one too many jawbreakers? Crowns help when teeth are broken or excessively worn down.
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Cosmetic Enhancement: Sometimes, we all want that picture-perfect Hollywood smile.
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Holding a Bridge in Place: Like a sturdy pillar on a bridge, a crown provides essential support.
Types of Dental Crowns: Not a One-Size-Fits-All
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Metal Crowns: Gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium are the rockstars here. They last long and can really take a bite, but their color stands out.
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Porcelain-fused-to-metal: A balance of durability and looks. However, sometimes the metal under the crown's porcelain cap can show through as a dark line.
The Procedure: No, It Doesn't Really Hurt!
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First Visit - Examination and Tooth Preparation: Here, the dentist will check out your tooth and might take a few X-rays. The tooth (and its neighbor) gets a shape-up to accommodate the crown.
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Impression Time: Post preparation, an impression of your tooth is taken to craft the crown.
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Temporary Crown: No, you don't walk out looking like a pirate. You get a temporary crown till the permanent one is ready.
Life with a Crown: What to Expect
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Adjustment Phase: Like breaking in a new pair of shoes, it might feel odd initially.
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Chewing: It'll be business as usual in no time.
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Longevity: With proper care, crowns can last a lifetime. Well, at least a good many years.
Dental Crown Vs. Filling: What's the Difference? Now, here's the rub. While fillings fill in the missing parts of a tooth, a crown, as its name suggests, sits royally over the damaged tooth, covering it.
Dental Crown Costs: Breaking Down the Moolah Let's face it, dental work isn't cheap. Depending on the material and the complexity, crowns can vary in cost. Always a good idea to check in with your dentist and insurance.
FAQs about Dental Crowns
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Do dental crowns look natural? Absolutely! With the advancements in dentistry, they can be matched perfectly with your natural teeth.
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How long does the procedure take? Typically, two visits are required.
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Can a crowned tooth get cavities? The underlying tooth can, so proper oral hygiene is a must!
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Is the process painful? Generally, it's just a mild discomfort. Nothing you can't handle!
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How do I care for my crown? Brush, floss, rinse. Just like your other teeth!
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Do crowns stain over time? Porcelain crowns resist staining, but just like your natural teeth, excessive coffee or wine might leave a mark.
Conclusion: So, next time someone asks you, "What is crown?", you've got the lowdown. From the reasons to get one, to the types and procedure, dental crowns are more than just a royal accessory. They're the unsung heroes of the dental world, working quietly behind the scenes to give you that confident, radiant smile.