A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength, and improves its appearance. This article explains the process a dentist follows to safely remove a crown.
Reasons for Crown Removal
Several situations can lead to a dental crown’s removal. Decay can develop beneath the crown, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and cause new cavities or an infection in the underlying tooth structure. Crowns can also sustain damage, such as chips or cracks, due to normal wear or trauma. A crown that no longer fits properly, due to changes in the tooth or gum line, can cause discomfort, lead to food impaction, or irritate the gums. Crowns may also be removed for aesthetic reasons or if underlying dental issues, such as the need for a root canal, require treatment.
Methods of Crown Removal
Dentists employ various techniques and specialized instruments to remove a dental crown, with the chosen method depending on factors like the crown’s material, the strength of its bond to the tooth, and the condition of the underlying tooth. Local anesthesia is often administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
One approach involves mechanical removal, where the dentist uses specific tools to gently pry or tap the crown off. Instruments like specialized pliers, levers, or spring-loaded automatic crown removers are designed to apply controlled force to disrupt the cement bond without harming the tooth. These tools aim to loosen the crown by applying pressure or an impulse to break the adhesive seal.
Another common method is sectioning the crown, which involves using a dental drill to cut the crown into multiple pieces. This technique is frequently used for crowns made of strong materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia. The dentist uses diamond burs to cut through porcelain and carbide burs for metal, carefully sectioning the crown to allow for its removal in fragments. This approach helps reduce stress on the tooth during removal.
Dentists may also use ultrasonic devices for crown removal. These instruments generate high-frequency vibrations that can weaken the cement holding the crown in place. This method is often considered gentle and precise, making it suitable for breaking down various types of dental cements, particularly resin-based ones.
What Happens After Removal
Once the crown has been successfully removed, the dentist’s next step is to thoroughly assess the underlying tooth. This examination helps identify any new decay, fractures, or other damage that may have necessitated the crown’s removal. The area is also meticulously cleaned to remove any residual cement, debris, or decayed tissue.
If issues such as decay or infection are found, the dentist will address them. This might involve placing a new filling or performing a root canal treatment if the tooth’s pulp is affected. After the tooth is prepared, the dentist will discuss options for a new restoration. If a new permanent crown is not immediately available, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth from sensitivity and further damage until the permanent restoration is ready.