Although the majority of individuals have heard of a tooth crown, very few can tell you about the procedure. The following article will walk you through the six steps, including important facts such as why it may be necessary, what type of crown to choose, and how to care for your temporary crown during the lab fabrication of the permanent crown.

1.Recognizing Your Need

Your general dentist is most likely to recognize your need for a crown when you go in for your scheduled cleaning or other visit. If, however, the reason is purely cosmetic, you might speak to your dentist about other cosmetic dentistry options for enhancing your total smile. Here are some reasons you may need a crown on your tooth:

· a weak tooth that may break

· a cracked tooth

· a broken or worn tooth

· a tooth with a large filling that needs to be covered and supported

· You need to hold a dental bridge in placed

· misshapened or discolored teeth you want covered

· a dental implant you need covered

2. Choosing Your Tooth Crown

It is worth considering and researching the types of material available for dental crowns before your first visit with the dentist. He or she will need to know this before beginning. The following list includes a short description of each type:

-Metals: Metal tooth crowns, generally made from gold alloy, palladium, nickel, or chromium, present both pros and cons. They do not wear very easily, require the least amount of tooth structure to be removed, and result in little wear to opposing teeth. Their color, however, is metallic, making them ideal for out-of-sight teeth.

-Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal: Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are less visible than metal crowns, due to the porcelain portion that can be color matched to the adjacent teeth. They are, however, likely to wear the opposing teeth and the porcelain portion may chip or break off. Additionally, sometimes, the metal beneath the porcelain will show through.

-All-resin: All-resin dental crowns are typically cheap compared to other crown types, but are likely to wear down and fracture.

-All-ceramic or all-porcelain: All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns are ideal for front teeth, as they best resemble the natural tooth color. They work for individuals with metal allergies. They are likely to wear opposing teeth, however, and are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Consider the pros and cons of each type and the location of your tooth needing the crown. Will the tooth crown be visible? Will it need to withstand much force? For more information prior to your visit http://www.medicinenet.com/dental_crowns/article.htm#tocb

3. Examining and Preparing the Tooth

When you arrive at your visit,  the dentist will  anesthetize your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, allowing him/her to trim back the enamel and make space for the crown. Your dentist will use filling material to build up the tooth if a large area is decayed or damaged.

The dentist will take an impression of the tooth. These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is fabricated. In order to protect the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is completed, the dentist will apply a temporary crown, generally made from acrylic and attached with temporary cement.

4. Taking Care of Your Temporary Dental Crown

To maintain your temporary crown:

-Avoid sticky and chewy foods

-Chew with the other side of your mouth

-Avoid hard foods

-When flossing, slide material out rather than lifting it.

 5. Receiving your Permanent Dental Crown

Two to three weeks after your first visit to the dentist, you will return to the dentist for the final stage. If the fit and color of the permanent crown are suitable, the dentist will proceed with your tooth crown procedure, removing your temporary crown, applying a local anesthetic, and permanently cementing the crown in place.

6. Taking Care of your Permanent Dental Crown

Dental crowns generally last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the type of your crown, and your mouth-related habits. Although the crowned tooth does not require special care, you might watch out for discomfort or sensitivity, chipping, looseness, or an allergic reaction. For more information on potential problems, see: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns?page=3