The field of dentistry is evolving at a rapid pace thanks to giant strides taken by technology and research. Dental professionals often suggest that dentistry is not just science; there is some art involved too, and a dental crown is an excellent example of that.

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged, decayed or stained tooth. The crown can also replace a tooth entirely or a part of it with bridgework depending on the tooth’s condition.

Crowns

Typically, a crown entirely covers a tooth above the gum line contrary to a veneer which offers protection only to the front surface to provide support. Thus, if you are missing a sizeable part of your tooth above the gum line, dental crown treatment is an ideal choice to restore the same.

Dental crowns significantly enhance the strength of damaged teeth enabling it to function normally. Thanks to the onset of advanced and modern porcelain crowns, it is impossible to tell the difference between a crown and a natural tooth.

Your dentist will suggest the best material for your crown depending on what is the priority. For instance, if durability is the need of the hour, cast gold crowns are ideal although it is not aesthetically the most attractive crown material out there. Another alternative is to opt for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns that have metal on the inside that offers strength and the exterior made of porcelain. The porcelain provides a natural look to the tooth.

Crowning or capping a damaged tooth

Typically, crowning requires 2-3 sittings to complete. The first step is to ensure that the tooth is shaped so that a crown can fit over it. The area surrounding the tooth is numbed before the shaping procedure begins. In cases where there is hardly any tooth structure remaining, the tooth is restored using a filling material so that it can support the crown.

Once the tooth is shaped uniformly, multiple impressions of your teeth are saved either digitally or with conventional impression materials. The impressions are then sent to the laboratory where a crown is made based on the model of the tooth. High-skilled lab technicians will then design the crown to improve your smile and restore the functionalities of your tooth.

A temporary crown is placed till the permanent crown is ready. In your next visits, the permanent crown will be attached either with resin or a material made of cement.

Bridges

Crowns are also used to replace a missing tooth which requires some amount of bridgework. The bridgework requires the space of the missing tooth and needs at least 2-3 crowns. Two crowns will be attached to the healthy teeth (abutment) on either side of the missing tooth. The abutment offer support for the third crown which is referred to as pontic.

The number of abutments mainly required depends on several factors including, number of teeth missing, length and size of the abutment, bone support present for each abutment, the location of the missing tooth. Designing a bridge required a precise understanding of tooth replacement techniques and biology of supporting gums and tissues.

Once a crown or a bridge is fixed, it is essential to take good care of them. One does not have to do anything different to maintain oral hygiene and follow the regular dental hygiene routine. Ensure you are brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to get rid of plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth.

There are a few preventive measures you need to take after getting crowns or bridges. Wonder Smile is one of the best dental clinics for cosmetic dentistry in Pimpri Chinchwad. Book an appointment with us today to know more about crowns and bridges!