What Is A Tooth Cap?

If you have ever broken a tooth or had a tooth with a large cavity in it, you may have been told that you need a tooth cap. A tooth cap is also known as a tooth crown. A tooth cap is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a cap or covering that fits over the entire tooth. This ensures that a tooth that is more severely damaged is strengthened and fully protected. In these situations, a filling would not be an adequate restoration choice and could cause an already damaged tooth to break further. In this blog we will discuss all of the things you need to know before getting a tooth cap.

Who Needs A Tooth Cap?

Who needs a tooth cap is not determined by a person’s age. Often people think that it’s a sign of getting older. In fact, who needs a tooth cap is determined by the extent of damage to the tooth. If the tooth is damaged either by trauma, decay, or severely worn in a way that it can’t support a filling, a tooth cap will be needed. A tooth cap can be used on a tooth either in the front or back of the mouth.

Tooth caps can also be placed for cosmetic reasons. If a natural tooth is discolored, malformed or misaligned, a tooth cap can be placed to correct it. This can often be completed in one visit and can instantly change the appearance of your smile.

What types of materials can a tooth cap be made of?

Tooth caps or dental crowns can be made of many different materials such as metal, gold, ceramic, zirconia or porcelain fused to metal. Most commonly they’re made of porcelain which gives the most natural unnoticeable look. A tooth cap is made to act like your natural tooth. At Living Well Dental Group our crowns are made of all porcelain. We mill our own crowns in the office, so it’s something that we can take care of for you in just one visit.

What is the procedure to get a tooth cap?

At Living Well Dental Group, getting a tooth cap is a fast, painless and simple process. We use porcelain to make a tooth cap, so they will look, feel and function like your natural teeth. This process can be completed in a few short hours, all while you enjoy our free Wi-Fi, Netflix, Pandora and any of our other comfort menu options.

1. The teeth are prepared for the tooth cap (this is often completed in less than 10 minutes per tooth).
2. A digital scan is taken of the prepared tooth.
3. The tooth cap is digitally designed.
4. The tooth cap is milled out of a block of porcelain.
5. The tooth cap is bonded into place.
6. You get to leave with your brand tooth cap and new confident SMILE the same day!!

How to care for a tooth cap?

Taking care of a tooth cap is much the same as caring for a natural tooth. Keep in mind that you can still get a cavity around a tooth cap, therefore still continue good oral hygiene practices.

• Brush for 2 minutes 2 times a day (in the morning and before bedtime)
• Floss once daily
• Use fluoridated mouthwash and toothpaste
• Visit your dentist a minimum of 2 times a year for routine cleanings and dental x-rays

How long does a tooth cap last?

The lifespan of a tooth cap can vary by as much as 5 to 15 years. It is affected by many factors. Care and maintenance of the tooth cap is essential in ensuring a longer lifespan. Diet can also be a contributing factor that determines the lifespan of a tooth cap. Diets high in surgery and acidic foods and drinks will greatly diminish the lifespan of a dental cap.

The best way to determine if a tooth cap is needed for your tooth, is to visit your dentist. If it is determined that a tooth cap is the best restoration for your needs, your dentist can help you determine the best type of material to suit your needs. With the right homecare you can enjoy your tooth cap for many years to come.

Call Naperville’s Experienced Crown & Cap Experts Today

If you have a broken, decayed or worn down tooth, the dental experts at Living Well Dental Group can help to determine if a tooth cap is the best restoration choice for you. You can book your appointment online today. You can also give us a call on (630) 505-1516 and a member of our team will be happy to walk you through your options and schedule a full examination.