Dental Crowns – What is tooth cap

Many of you have heard from the dentist that your tooth needs capping. But have you wondered what is tooth cap and why it is important? If you have similar questions in your mind, then hold on as we answer them all. In the information provided below, we will briefly discuss the indications, types, and procedures of getting a tooth cap done- brought to you by Dr Sindha Dental Clinic Bharuch

What is tooth cap?

Tooth caps or dental crowns are fixed prostheses that cover the tooth from all sides. They are planned on structurally compromised teeth to restore form and function. There are several indications of dental crowns, and the most common one is a root canal-treated tooth that can’t be restored with a filling. Dental crowns are snugly fitting caps for the tooth that cover them from all sides. There are various dental crowns, and to decide which suits you best, we need to examine the current dental condition of your tooth. Our experts at Dr Sindha Dental Clinic Bharuch will comprehensively examine your teeth and customize your treatment plan as needed. 

Types of Crowns  

Metal crown

  • Different varieties of metals like nickel, palladium, chromium, and gold are used to fabricate them.
  • Metal crowns are strong in terms of wear and tear resistance
  • The only concern with metal crowns is their aesthetic quotient, making them unsuitable for front teeth.
  • They are usually placed on the back teeth. However, many newer materials are available nowadays, making metal crowns almost obsolete.

PFM crown

  • This dental crown has a porcelain layer covering the metal base. It is more aesthetic than metal crowns. 
  • The risk of wear increases when the opposing tooth also has a tooth cap and there are high biting forces. The metal might be exposed due to chipping off the porcelain layer from the top. 
  • PFM crowns are a good option when looking for both strength and aesthetics on an affordable budget. 

All ceramic crowns

  • They are an excellent choice for front teeth and cases of metal allergies as they are completely metal-free
  • They mimic the natural tooth in color and shade matching, making them highly aesthetic
  • The overall strength is less when compared with a PFM crown.

Indications of Dental Crowns 

  • Supporting  a structurally compromised tooth after RCT
  • Supporting a dental implant or holding a dental bridge in place
  • Smile makeover of an irregularly shaped or malformed tooth
  • Restoring a tooth structure with a large filling
  • Protection of a weak tooth structure
  • Restoration of a broken tooth

The procedure of Dental Crown – What is tooth cap

  • The tooth cap covers the tooth from all sides. The first step is clinically examining and radiologically assessing the current dental status. 
  • The next step is trimming the tooth from all sides to receive the cap material. The procedure is painless as it is done under local anesthesia if required.
  • After the preparation impression is made, which is sent to a dental where the tooth cap is fabricated