In the context of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), a crown refers to a tooth-shaped cap that is used to restore a tooth that is decayed, broken, weak, or worn down. This cap is cemented onto the existing tooth, covering it entirely and restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a common dental restoration procedure. Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: Crowns serve multiple purposes:
- Protecting a weakened tooth from further damage.
- Restoring a broken or fractured tooth.
- Covering a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough tooth structure remaining.
- Covering a dental implant.
- Protecting a root canal-treated tooth.
- Improving the cosmetic appearance of a tooth by addressing issues such as discoloration or misshapenness.
- Materials: Crowns are crafted from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages:
- Metals: Gold alloys and other metals are very durable but are not typically used for visible teeth.
- Resin: Tooth-colored resin is more affordable but can be less durable.
- Porcelain: This is a popular choice because it closely matches the appearance of natural teeth.
- Procedure: The process of getting a crown usually involves:
- Preparing the tooth by removing any decay or damage.
- Taking impressions of the prepared tooth.
- Sending the impressions to a dental lab for crown fabrication.
- Placing a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being made.
- Fitting and cementing the permanent crown onto the tooth.
- Lifespan: With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years.
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Restoration: Effectively restores the function and structure of damaged teeth.
- Protection: Shields weakened teeth from further damage.
- Aesthetics: Improves the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
- Durability: Provides a long-term solution for tooth restoration when properly maintained.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Restore, protect, and enhance teeth. |
| Materials | Metal, resin, porcelain. |
| Procedure | Tooth prep, impressions, temp crown, permanent crown placement. |
| Lifespan | 5-15 years with good oral care. |
Example:
Imagine a molar tooth that has had a large filling. The remaining tooth structure may be weak. In this case, a dental crown could be placed to fully cover and protect the tooth, restoring its ability to chew effectively and prevent further damage.
In conclusion, a crown in BDS refers to a dental restoration used to improve both function and aesthetics of teeth, and is a fundamental part of restorative dentistry.
