I have to tell you that I’ve been seriously mislead by my dentist whom I’ve trusted for years. A few months ago they told me that I needed to consider getting a crown. Well I thought, finally someone has recognized my regal qualities and the need for a public display of my position, so all may recognize me when I arrive.

I arrived happily at my appointment the other morning, prepared for my crowning. I even sat in the dentist chair with enthusiasm. My first clue that this wasn’t something wonderful was when the dentist came at me with a big needle. “Hey, why do I need a shot to get my crown?” I questioned him anxiously. This is when he told me that he would be “working” below the gum line. Hmmm. I probably should have stopped him and asked more questions at the point, but I didn’t. Maybe when he put the tooth “pillow” in so my jaw wouldn’t get tired I should have asked more questions. Then he started drilling, and it went on and on for a long time. There was white tooth dust flying all over my face and my dental bib. There was also one of the worst tastes I’ve ever had in my mouth.

When he finished, I realized it was too late to have the procedure explained to me. I did tell him that he should consider putting one of those mask over the patients nose whenever he puts one on and he just laughed at me. Then they made several impressions of my teeth with wonderful goop in a mouth shaped tray. Then the hygienist created an almost tooth shaped cap for my tooth which she informed me was my temporary and that my actual crown would be ready in about three weeks. “It is too bad you won’t have it before Easter,” she said, “and try not to chew on that side of your mouth and don’t eat anything sticky, chewy or hard.”

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth – covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:
1. To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
4. To hold a dental bridge in place
5. To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
6. To cover a dental implant
What Types of Crown Materials Are Available? Permanent crowns can be made from all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all resin, or all ceramic. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79592.htm

Photo Credit
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/66/79592.htm

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