Have you ever wondered what a tooth cap is? You’re not alone! A lot of people don’t know the difference between a dental cap and a dental crown. In this blog post, we will answer that question and provide a basic definition for each. We’ll also discuss the reasons why you might need a tooth cap and the different materials used to make them. Finally, we’ll describe the process of having one placed in your mouth.
What is a Tooth Cap?
A dental cap, also known as a dental crown, is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.
The terms “cap” and “crown” are often used interchangeably. Although they both mean the same thing, “cap” is an older term and “crown” is the modern term. However your dentist will know what you mean no matter what term you decide to use.
There are many reasons why you might need a dental crown. Some of the most common reasons are:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
- To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic modification
There are several different materials that can be used to make a dental crown. These materials can include metals, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, and composite. The type of material that is best for you will be determined by the location of the tooth being crowned as well as your personal preference. Another factor that can impact the material of your dental crown includes whether you are having a temporary or permanent crown placed.
Permanent crowns are made in a dental lab and are usually made of porcelain or ceramic. They are then placed over the tooth after the tooth has been prepared. Temporary crowns are made in the dentist’s office and are usually made of composite resin. They serve as a placeholder and protector until the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
How are crowns placed?
The process of having a dental crown placed generally takes two appointments. During the first appointment, the tooth is prepared and a mold is made. The mold is then sent to a dental lab where the crown is made. During the second appointment, the permanent crown is placed on the tooth.
In some cases, both appointments can be combined into a single appointment. However, this is only the case when the crown is being made in the dental office with a same-day crown machine.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have provided you with a basic definition of a dental crown as well as the reasons why you might need one. We’ve also discussed the different materials used to make dental crowns and the difference between temporary and permanent crowns. Finally, we’ve described the process of having a dental crown placed. We hope you found this blog post helpful! If you have any questions about dental crowns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions. Thanks for reading!
