Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog
What Are Dental Caps?
Duane Kelly
Known as a dental crown in most parts of the world, a dental cap is a type of prosthetic which covers a real tooth. It is fitted into your mouth on a permanent basis and can provide years of protection from issues of decay, slowing the rate at which a rotting tooth eventually needs to be pulled. Dental caps are often recommended by dentists these days, and if yours has said you need one, then don't be surprised that this is not immediately fitted. Crowns and caps are made to measure in dental laboratories, so you will have some time between having one recommended and having it fitted. What can you expect if you need one?
Why Are Dental Caps Fitted?
If your tooth is damaged or has its nerve exposed, then a cap can help to protect it. In addition, this form of dentistry is sometimes recommended as a way of generating a greater uniformity of appearance in your teeth. For example, if one of your teeth has become discoloured, then a cap may be the best way of covering it up. Caps are also sometimes fitted to make a good anchor point for a denture to be attached.
How Are Crowns Made?
Porcelain is among the most common materials for a cap to be made from. In some cases, a precious metal — like gold — is used underneath the top layer of porcelain but this is not always necessary. Some dentists recommend gold alloys, mixing it with tougher metals in order to make a more durable cap. Glass is also used these days, which has a remarkably natural look. An impression of your tooth is made by your dentist so that the cap will fit like a glove when it is fitted. However, a mould is also taken of the corresponding teeth on the opposite jaw. This is so that the cap can be fashioned in such a manner that it creates a neat connection when the teeth come together, known as a good occlusion.
How Are Dental Caps Fitted?
If your dentist gave you a temporary cap whilst your one was being made, then he or she will need to remove this from your mouth. After a brief clean-up of the area to be worked on, the new dental cap will be secured in place by using a type of dental cement. In some cases, dental adhesives are used instead. Either way, the material forms a seal which then goes hard, fixing the cap firmly in position.
To learn more, contact a dentist who does dental crowns in your area.
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You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!