What is a Dental Crown? 3 Fast Facts

Broke a tooth? Have bruxism? Chances are you’ll need a dental crown to protect and cover the affected tooth. But what exactly is a dental crown? What’s it made of? Check out these three fast facts about dental crowns.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a tooth-shaped restoration placed on top of a weakened tooth.

Factors that contribute to weakening of teeth include grinding, clenching, and a root canal – a procedure to remove infected or inflamed pulp.

The purpose of a crown is to restore the tooth back to its original shape and size while maintaining its strength.

What are dental crowns made of?

Archaeology suggests the Etruscans, an ancient civilization of western Italy, first experimented with dental crowns as early as 200 AD. Their materials of choice included gold, animal bones, and even pieces of human teeth.

By the late 1800’s, dental crowns were made of porcelain – a practice still used today.

Other modern crowns can be made of metal, ceramic, or both.

Factors to consider when choosing the right material are location of the crown and what your insurance will cover. It’s important to talk with your dentist to determine the best course of action before your procedure.

How are dental crowns placed?

Placing a dental crown also depends on the material used.

Stainless steel crowns are already tooth shaped and can be placed in one appointment. Other materials, such as a composite resin or porcelain crown, require two or more appointments.

If you choose porcelain or resin, your dentist will use a liquid compound that turns rubbery when solid to take impressions of the tooth. After the impressions are taken, they will be filled with a plaster material and sent off to a dental lab, where a licensed technician uses the mold to create a customized crown.

Meanwhile, your tooth will be shaved down by your dentist. This helps the crown to fit snugly with the surrounding teeth.

Once received by the lab, the crown is then adjusted for an even bite and placed over the tooth using a high-grade dental cement.

Choose a dentist with experience procuring and placing crowns. If it’s placed incorrectly, is ill-fitting, or the root canal is not cleaned properly before placement, decay can occur beneath it.

Whether you’ve had a root canal or want to protect worn teeth, it’s common to need a dental crown. We’re here for you every step of the way. If you would like more information, or to book an appointment, give us a call at 440-888-6449 or send us an email using our contact form. One of our representatives will be happy to assist.