Resin Crown

Introduction

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth for restoring its shape, size, strength and also for improving its appearance. These crowns totally enclose the visible part of the tooth lying above the gum line after cementing.

Indications for a Dental Crown:

A dental crown is needed in the following conditions:

• For protecting a week tooth from decay, from breaking or for holding parts of a cracked tooth.

• For restoring broken or severely worn out tooth.

• For supporting and covering a tooth with large filling when very little of the original tooth is remaining.

• For holding a permanent dental bridge between abutment teeth.

• For covering a dental implant.

• For protecting a weak tooth from breaking

• For covering a discolored or misshapen tooth.

A resin crown restoration:

When a tooth needs a restoration to improve the smile, sometimes the best choice is a resin crown. A resin crown is made up of a mixture of microscopic glass-like particles and plastic resin which is cured for strength.

A resin crown is fabricated carefully in a dental laboratory and it may take two or more appointments to restore your tooth with a resin crown.

All-resin crowns are the least expensive type of crowns. The drawback is that they are more prone to chips and fractures than other crowns and tend to wear down more quickly over time.

Tooth Crown Procedure:

• The cosmetic dentist prepares an impression of the tooth and sends it to a dental laboratory to make the crown.

• A temporary crown is given to the patient to wear till the permanent crown is ready.

• After about two weeks, generally the crown is ready and the permanent crown is then cemented onto the tooth. Thus, only two visits are required for this procedure.

• For stabilizing this structure, a filling is placed before placing a crown due to the loss of original tooth structure. The dental crowns have a running life of ten to fifteen years.

• Make sure to discuss with the dentist about the color of the crown and also check whether it is same as temporary crown.

• Sometimes, a Flipper appliance is used in the place of temporary crown till the permanent crown is placed. A Flipper is a false tooth attached via either a wire or a plastic piece to the roof of the mouth awaiting the permanent crown.

The benefits of a resin crown

A resin crown has several benefits. Like all crowns, it covers and protects the tooth. But in addition, a resin crown is:

• The resin material of the crown expands and contracts like natural tooth structure

• The crown is gentle on the opposing teeth while chewing and talking.

• Appearance of the crown is natural as it can be fabricated to closely match or improve the tooth color of the patient.

• The life span of the resin crown is about 15 years from fabrication.

Problems with a Dental Crown:

• Sensitivity: newly crowned tooth can be sensitive to extreme temperatures immediately after the procedure, as the effect of anesthesia begins to decrease. Too highly places crown can also cause sensitivity during bite. This can be corrected easily.

• Chipping of crown: these crowns tend to chip. If there is extensive chipping, the crown may need to be replaced.

• Loose crown: Sometimes the cement washes under the crown gets dislodged causing loosening as well as infection. If a crown feels loose, contact the dentist.

• Fall of the crown: due to lack of cement or improper fitting. This can be fixed or replaced.

• Cost of the crown must be weighed against the advantages.