Putting on a dental cap, commonly known as a dental crown, involves a series of steps to restore a damaged or weakened tooth. This process ensures the crown fits securely and functions effectively.
Here's a breakdown of how a dental crown is placed:
The Process of Getting a Dental Crown
Receiving a dental crown typically requires at least two appointments with your dentist. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions, while the second is for placing the permanent crown.
Step 1: Tooth Preparation
The first step is preparing the tooth that needs the crown.
- Preparation: As part of this process, the dentist will shave off part of the tooth to make room for the cap. This reduction is necessary so the crown can fit over the tooth without feeling bulky or affecting your bite. The amount removed depends on the type of crown being used (e.g., porcelain, metal).
Step 2: Taking Impressions
Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist takes an impression.
- Impression Making: Then, the dentist will make an impression of the prepared tooth. Impressions are also typically taken of the teeth around the prepared tooth and the teeth in the opposite jaw. These impressions serve as a precise mold. Modern dentistry may use digital scans instead of physical molds in some cases.
Step 3: Lab Fabrication
The impressions are sent to a specialized lab.
- Crafting the Crown: The impression is sent to a lab where a technician will make the crown. Using the molds or digital scans, the lab technician meticulously creates a custom crown that matches the shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth.
- Timeline: The crown will take a few weeks before it is ready, as it's a custom-made restoration.
Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement
While the permanent crown is being made, a temporary solution is needed.
- Protection: To protect the prepared tooth from sensitivity or damage, maintain proper bite alignment, and provide a pleasing aesthetic, the dentist will put a temporary crown on the tooth. This temporary cap is usually made of acrylic and is held in place with temporary cement.
Step 5: Permanent Crown Placement
The final step involves placing the permanent crown.
- Arrival of Permanent Crown: Once the custom permanent crown arrives from the lab, you will return for your second appointment.
- Fitting and Adjustment: The dentist removes the temporary crown and cleans the tooth. They then carefully check the fit of the permanent crown to ensure it sits correctly, feels comfortable, and aligns properly with your bite. Adjustments may be made if needed.
- Bonding: If the fit is satisfactory, the tooth surface is prepared, and the permanent crown is bonded or cemented onto the prepared tooth structure using a strong dental adhesive. The dentist will check the bite again and make final adjustments.
Summary Table
Here's a quick look at the key stages:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Tooth Preparation | Dentist shaves part of the tooth to make room for the cap. |
| Impression Taking | Dentist makes a mold or digital scan of the tooth and surrounding area. |
| Lab Fabrication | Lab technician creates the custom crown from the impression (takes weeks). |
| Temporary Crown | Dentist places a temporary cap while the permanent one is made. |
| Permanent Crown Placement | Dentist checks fit and bonds the finished crown onto the prepared tooth. |
This multi-step process ensures that the dental cap (crown) is a durable, functional, and aesthetic restoration for your tooth.
