Dental Crowns

Main thing

A dental crown is essentially a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth. It's like a snug hat for your tooth, designed to restore its shape, size, and strength, and to improve its appearance. The crown fully encases the visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Dental crowns are used for a variety of reasons. They can protect a weak tooth from breaking, restore a broken tooth, cover a tooth with a large filling, hold a dental bridge in place, cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, or cover a dental implant.

For example, let's say you have a tooth that's been severely worn down over time. A dental crown can be used to restore the tooth's original shape and size, improving both its function and appearance.

Terms

• Dental Crown - A tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, and to improve its appearance. Example: A dental crown was used to restore a broken tooth.

• Dental Bridge - A dental appliance that replaces missing teeth by bridging the gap between two existing teeth. Example: A dental crown was used to hold a dental bridge in place.

• Dental Implant - A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown. Example: A dental crown was used to cover a dental implant.

An analogy

Think of a dental crown as a protective helmet for a tooth. Just as a helmet protects a cyclist's head from potential damage, a dental crown protects a tooth from further decay or damage, and restores its function and appearance.

A main misconception

A common misconception is that dental crowns are only used for cosmetic purposes. While they do improve the appearance of teeth, their primary function is to protect, restore, and strengthen damaged or decayed teeth. For instance, a person with a severely decayed tooth might mistakenly believe that a crown is only for improving the tooth's appearance, when in fact, the crown is crucial for preserving the tooth and preventing further decay.

The history

The use of dental crowns dates back to ancient times. The Etruscans, an ancient Italian civilization, were known to use gold for crowns and bridges as early as 700 B.C. Over the centuries, the materials and techniques for creating dental crowns have evolved significantly. Today, crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, resin, and porcelain, and are custom-made to fit each individual tooth.As Pierre Fauchard, often referred to as the father of modern dentistry, once said, "Every tooth in a man's head is more valuable than a diamond."

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Case of a Broken Tooth: Imagine you've broken a tooth while eating a hard food. The broken tooth is not only painful but also affects your ability to chew properly. In this case, a dental crown can be used to restore the tooth's shape and function. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: you can seek appropriate dental care promptly, prevent further damage to the tooth, and restore your ability to chew normally.

2. Case of a Tooth with a Large Filling: Suppose you have a tooth with a large filling, and there isn't much of the original tooth left. A dental crown can be used to cover and support the tooth, preventing it from breaking. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: you can protect the tooth from further damage, maintain the integrity of your bite, and prevent potential tooth loss.

3. Case of a Dental Implant: Consider a scenario where you've lost a tooth and have opted for a dental implant. A dental crown is used to cover the implant, providing a tooth-like shape and structure for function. The main benefits of using this knowledge are: you can complete your dental implant procedure, restore the appearance of your smile, and regain the function of a natural tooth.

Interesting facts

1. Dental crowns can last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the material used and how well they are cared for.

2. The Etruscans, an ancient Italian civilization, were using gold for crowns and bridges as early as 700 B.C.

3. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, resin, and porcelain.

4. Dental crowns not only restore the function of a tooth, but they also improve its appearance.

5. Dental crowns are custom-made for each individual tooth to ensure a proper fit.