Dental Cap Treatment Step-by-Step Guide: What to Expect

What Is a Dental Cap, and Why Do You Need One?

A dental cap is used to cover a tooth and provide protection to it. It is a type of hard porcelain outer layer that is put on a tooth to improve its form and allow it to chew food properly.

Crowns are recommended by dentists for teeth that have suffered serious decay or a crack. Crowns are often required after a root canal operation to ensure that the tooth taken out during the operation is protected.

Porcelain caps are perfect for those who desire to have beautiful smiles, while zirconia is best suited for those whose teeth are exposed to high chewing pressure. The dentist may also suggest a specific type of crown based on the position of the tooth and the force needed to chew food.

The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Caps Done

Examination and Planning

A dentist will first examine the affected area and possibly take an X-ray to understand the situation. The dentist will want to assess whether there is any underlying infection or extensive decay that will need to be addressed first.

A dentist will most likely not place a cap on a tooth that has an underlying infection. It is best to wait until the infection clears up before getting any dental cap treatment done.

Rushing the process can lead to disastrous results as an infected and decaying tooth will require special care and treatment to get it back to healthy working condition.

Tooth Preparation

At this stage, the dentist will numb the affected area with anaesthetic. You should not feel any sharp pain, although you may feel pressure. Your dentist will file down the tooth surface slightly to make room for the cap. Impressions of the affected area will be taken so that a dental laboratory can fabricate the cap.

A temporary cap can also be placed in the meantime to make eating easier and keep the exposed surface of the tooth safe.

Permanent Cap Placement

At your next appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary cap and check to see if the permanent one is a good fit. You may also be asked to bite down so that they can evaluate your comfort.

The dentist will double-check the fit and appearance of the cap before permanently attaching it to your tooth. Some dental practices offer same-day crown treatment so inquire whether this service is available at your local dental clinic.

Aftercare Instruction

You may notice some sensitivity to hot and cold drinks as well as some gum discomfort after your crown is placed. Your dentist may prescribe some medication to ease any discomfort. You should continue to brush and floss regularly and take special care around the crowned tooth.

Some important things to remember after dental cap treatment are:

• Avoid eating very hard foods, especially in the beginning shortly after treatment because the crowned tooth is weaker than a natural tooth and could crack or chip under intense pressure

• Pay special attention to flossing around the crowned tooth and try to gently work the floss out instead of snapping it up

• If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, speak to your dentist about getting a nightguard so that your crowned tooth is not damaged

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