Restoring a damaged tooth often involves confusing terminology, as patients hear both “dental crown” and “dental cap.” This frequent use of two different terms for the same treatment can cause uncertainty about the proposed dental work. Understanding the function, placement process, and materials used is important for protecting a compromised tooth. This article clarifies the relationship between these two terms and explains the process of receiving this common, full-coverage restoration.
Understanding the Terminology: Crown Versus Cap
The simple answer is that a dental crown and a dental cap refer to the exact same restoration. The distinction is primarily a matter of professional versus colloquial language. While patients often use the informal term “cap,” dental professionals universally use “crown.” The crown is the standardized, clinically accepted term describing a prosthetic that completely encases the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. This custom-fabricated, tooth-shaped cover is designed to restore the tooth’s size, shape, strength, and appearance.
Clinical Reasons for Crown Placement
A crown is recommended when a tooth’s structural integrity is compromised and a simple filling cannot provide adequate long-term protection. This restoration is frequently needed following root canal therapy, where the tooth structure can become brittle and susceptible to fracture. The crown acts as a protective shield, absorbing chewing forces and preventing catastrophic failure of the weakened tooth.
Crowns are also the solution for teeth that have suffered severe fractures or deep cracks extending below the gum line, holding the remaining structure together. They are placed when a large filling is required, but insufficient healthy tooth structure remains to support it. Furthermore, crowns address significant cosmetic concerns, such as severely misshapen or discolored teeth that do not respond to professional whitening treatments.
The Crown Placement Procedure
First Appointment: Preparation and Impression
The process of receiving a permanent crown traditionally involves two separate appointments spaced two to three weeks apart. During the first visit, the dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort throughout the preparation phase. Preparation involves carefully reshaping the tooth by removing a specific amount of enamel. This creates a stable foundation and ensures adequate space for the prosthetic material.
Next, an impression of the prepared tooth is taken, often using a modern digital scanner, to capture the exact dimensions of the prepared tooth. The dentist also records the bite relationship to ensure the final crown aligns properly with the opposing teeth and does not interfere with chewing. This impression, along with the shade selection, is sent to a professional dental laboratory where the custom permanent crown is fabricated by skilled technicians.
Temporary Crown and Final Placement
Before the patient leaves, a temporary crown, usually made of acrylic or resin, is cemented onto the prepared tooth. This temporary restoration protects the sensitive underlying tooth structure, maintains correct spacing, and prevents the movement of adjacent teeth while the permanent version is being created.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed. The permanent crown is carefully checked for fit, color match, and proper occlusion before final placement. Once the patient and dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the custom crown is permanently bonded into place using a strong dental cement, finalizing the restoration.
Materials, Durability, and Maintenance
Crown Materials
Dental crowns are fabricated from various materials, each offering a distinct combination of aesthetics and mechanical properties, which influences the dentist’s choice. All-ceramic or porcelain crowns, particularly those made from zirconia, offer the most natural appearance. They closely mimic the translucency of natural tooth enamel, making them a popular choice for visible front teeth.
Metal crowns, often made from alloys containing gold, nickel, or chromium, are exceptionally durable and resistant to fracture. They are preferred for molars where chewing forces are highest due to their inherent strength. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a balance, providing a strong metal sub-structure with a tooth-colored porcelain layer on the outside.
Lifespan and Care
The expected lifespan of a crown ranges from five to fifteen years, depending on the material used and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. Maintaining the crown requires diligent brushing twice a day and flossing, similar to caring for natural teeth. It is important to clean especially around the margin where the crown meets the gum line to prevent decay at the interface.
Patients who grind or clench their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, may be advised to wear a protective nightguard. This measure helps prevent premature wear or fracture of the crown material and extends its longevity. Regular dental checkups are also necessary to monitor the crown’s integrity and the health of the underlying tooth.