Crowns/Caps
Crowning or capping is one of the most advanced forms of treatment carried out to save a patient’s tooth/teeth.These are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size and strength and improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
There are several types of crowns, however the permanent crowns can be made of stainless steel, all metal such as gold or another alloy, or porcelain fused to metal or all plastic, or all ceramic/ porcelain crowns.
The crown of choice will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the tooth or teeth being crowned, the type and severity of the discolouration, and overall health of the surrounding gums.
This is usually a two visit appointment. The tooth/teeth are first reduced in size, then measurements are taken of the prepared tooth sent to the laboratory for fabrication, meanwhile a temporary crown is prepared chair side to cover and protect the prepared tooth/teeth.
Indications
(a) Large decay where more than 2 caps have been broken down on molars or where half of the crown of the tooth is lost fractured.
- (b) Large old fillings, cracked teeth, fractured teeth.
- (c) Sensitive teeth from a lot of wear or tear from enamel erosion.
- (d) Root canal therapy.
- (e) Fractured teeth.
- (f) Severally stained/ discoloured teeth.
- (g) Cosmetic modification.
- (h) Lengthen short clinical crowns.
- (i) To cover a mishapened teeth.
- (j) To cover a dental implant.
In children, a crown (usually stainless steel) may be used to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay that can’t support a filling.
Protect teeth alive to high risk of decay; and difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene.
Special needs children with severe grinding habits.
