Whether you call them caps or crowns, dental caps can improve your bite, smile and general outlook dramatically.
Caps are among the most popular dental restorations today. They are durable and most insurance plans cover them. Fitting dental caps is also easy. Perhaps, breaks, chips, discoloration, decay or any other dental issue is compromising your naturally beautiful smile. Then it is time you talked to an experienced, reputable dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ in Hudson County. A good dentist will explain what caps can do to your damaged teeth in details.
What are dental caps made of?
Dental caps or crowns are made using different materials. The chosen material for any procedure usually depends on the location of the tooth to be capped.
- Porcelain crowns are the best option for front-facing teeth. Since these are the teeth that people see whenever you smile, porcelain crowns look indistinguishable for them.
- Gold crowns are ideal for back teeth. They are affordable and durable and suitable for back teeth since nobody sees them apart from your dentist.
- Porcelain and metal fusing make ideal caps for back teeth. These provide a hybrid compound when compared to metal or porcelain caps.
Steps for capping teeth
The first step is usually going for a checkup and screening. X-ray can be used to determine how far your teeth have been damaged. If the dentist finds out that the teeth that you want to have capped are in good shape, they can shape the cap to match the regular contours of the teeth and cement them into place. However, if you have a broken tooth or a severely decayed tooth, your dental cap might need a foundation with a dental post.
Once you reach an agreement with the dentist on the crown or cap type to apply, you simply make an appointment with the dentist for your first visit.
Step 1
During the first visit, your tooth and the gum that surrounds it will be numbed and filed down. This creates room where the post or crown will be placed. Once the tooth has been reshaped, putty will be pressed on that area for purposes of making an impression. This will be taken to the laboratory from where technicians will fashion out a temporary crown using acrylic or stainless steel and glue it into place. This procedure usually takes one hour.
The temporary crown is made to withstand daily use during the first or two weeks that it takes to produce and refine a permanent crown. However, you should not take chances with a temporary crown. Instead, be cautious about sticky or hard foods.
Step 2
A reputable dentist will call you once the permanent crown has been made. This means you will go for the second visit. With experienced dentists like Dr. Gabe Doria, a second visit to his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ Hudson County will be relatively shorter. Once a local anesthetic has been applied, the dentist will pop the temporary crown off after which a permanent crown will be cemented into place.
The dentist will ask you to bite down, chew or even move teeth severally. This will enable the dentist to spot areas that may need refilling or adjustment.
Afterwards
It is normal to feel tenderness or a little soreness around your gum line after the anesthesia wears off. However, you can use ice pack or a pain reliever to ease the discomfort. This pain normally disappears quickly.
Taking care of capped teeth
Caring for capped teeth is not different from maintaining regular teeth. Ideally, you should floss and brush daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Nevertheless, when taken care of properly, capped teeth will last more than 15 years. Basically, you should avoid chewing ice, clenching or using the capped teeth to rip packages open.
Are capped teeth ideal for you?
The only way to know whether capped teeth are your best option is by consulting a professional dentist. Schedule a free consultation with a reputable dentist like Dr. Gabe Doria at his dental practice in Bayonne, NJ in Hudson County. This dentist is experienced in restoring damaged teeth. He will answer any question that you have about capped teeth and examine your case to determine if capped teeth are the best option for you.
Contact us now to schedule your free consultation or to have any question about capped teeth answered by an experienced dentist.
