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Dental Crowns, What Are They & Why Do I Need One?

Crown, dental crown, cap or bridge, are common dental terms used often in our practice.  If you’re not familar with these terms, this article should answer any questions you may have about what these procedures are and how they’re done, and why a patient would need them. A crown or cap is a restoration that covers a broken down, root canaled or esthetically unpleasing tooth. They’re made from a variety of materials such as porcelain, metal or zirconia. A bridge is a group of crowns linked together usually for the purpose of holding a fake tooth that will fill a space where a tooth is missing. During a crown or bridge appointment, the area will initially be anesthetized, and the tooth, or in the case of a bridge, the teeth surrounding the space, will be shaved down. The tooth or teeth are shaved down into a cylindrical shape and and then an impression or mold is taken of the prepared area. The mold is sent to a dental lab and a bridge or a crown is fabricated. The lab generally returns the restoration in about 1.5 to 2 weeks so it can be tried in and cemented.]]>