Dental restorations often involve confusing terms like “dental cap” and “dental crown.” This article clarifies the relationship between these terms and explains their role in modern dentistry, helping patients understand these common solutions.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration designed to encase the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. It functions as a protective covering, restoring the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dentists bond the crown permanently onto the prepared tooth structure, providing structural support to a weakened tooth.
The primary purpose of a dental crown is to restore a tooth with significant damage or decay beyond what a traditional filling can repair. It acts like a helmet for the tooth, distributing chewing forces evenly across its surface. This helps preserve the underlying natural tooth from further breakdown and ensures seamless integration with surrounding teeth.
Understanding “Dental Cap”
The term “dental cap” is often used informally by the general public to describe the same dental restoration known professionally as a “dental crown.” There is no functional or structural difference between a “cap” and a “crown.” Both terms refer to the same type of dental prosthetic. Dental professionals predominantly use “dental crown” in their practice and communications.
This common linguistic variation can sometimes lead to confusion among patients. However, when a dentist refers to placing a “cap,” they are indeed planning to place a “crown.” The concept of “capping” a tooth describes placing a crown over it.
Why and When Are Crowns Needed?
Dental crowns become necessary when a tooth’s integrity is compromised beyond repair by other methods. This includes teeth with extensive decay that has weakened their structure, making them susceptible to fracture. Crowns provide reinforcement to prevent further damage and maintain chewing function. They also restore teeth that have undergone large fillings, especially if the remaining tooth structure is fragile.
Crowns are frequently recommended after a root canal procedure, as treated teeth can become brittle and prone to breakage. The crown protects the devitalized tooth from biting and chewing stresses. Crowns can also address cosmetic concerns like severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth, providing a uniform and aesthetically pleasing surface. They also serve as anchors for dental bridges, supporting artificial teeth to replace missing ones.
Getting a Dental Crown: Procedure and Materials
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves at least two dental visits, though some clinics offer same-day crown technology. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to accommodate the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken to create the custom crown. A temporary crown is usually placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is fabricated.
Upon the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted and adjusted for proper bite and comfort. Once satisfactory, the crown is permanently bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive. Dental crowns are crafted from various materials, each offering different characteristics regarding aesthetics and durability. Common options include porcelain or ceramic for natural appearance, metal alloys like gold for strength, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, which combine porcelain’s aesthetics with metal’s durability.
Maintaining Your Dental Crown
Maintaining a dental crown involves consistent oral hygiene practices similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing are essential to prevent plaque buildup around the crown’s margins. This helps to protect the underlying tooth from decay and prevent gum disease. While the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth beneath it and the surrounding gum tissue remain vulnerable.
Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important for the longevity of a dental crown. A dentist can monitor the crown’s integrity, check for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure its proper fit. Patients should avoid chewing on hard foods, such as ice or hard candies, or using their teeth to open packages, as these actions could potentially chip or dislodge the crown. With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years. The average lifespan is typically between 5 and 15 years, though with excellent oral hygiene and care, some crowns can last much longer, even decades. Longevity depends on factors such as the crown material, the tooth’s location in the mouth, and the patient’s oral habits. For example, crowns on front teeth often last longer due to less chewing pressure compared to those on molars. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor the crown and address any issues proactively, contributing to its extended service.