Have you suffered from advanced tooth decay? Did you crack or chip your tooth? Your dentist can amend this type of dental damage with a crown. A dental crown will cover a vulnerable tooth, rebuilding its structure and protecting it from further harm.
Though you may require this fixture to restore your oral health, you might also feel nervous about undergoing dental work. You can relax more in the dentist’s chair if you know what to expect from this restorative treatment. Read on to learn more about each step of the process of receiving a dental crown.
Evaluating Your Dental Needs
Before pursuing restorative dental treatment with a crown, your dentist will first want to examine your smile to determine if this is the best action to take for your oral health. They will check the affected tooth as well as surrounding areas of the mouth for signs of additional damage.
The dentist will provide any necessary treatments first, such as drilling away tooth decay. If you have any questions about your specific case, this consultation is a prime time to bring them up.
Preparing Your Affected Tooth
When you and your dentist decide to commit to treatment with a dental crown, the dentist will prepare the surface of the tooth for this fixture. This involves shaving away a minute amount of tooth enamel to make room for the ceramic cap.
You will receive a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable during this procedure. The dentist will cover the vulnerable tooth with a temporary crown so that the exposed interior of the tooth will remain unmolested and safe from dental dangers.
Taking Impressions of Your Smile
Before your dentist attaches a temporary crown over your tooth, they will take an impression of your smile. This can be done with a physical mold or digital imaging. They use this to create an image of the tooth with its accurate dimensions.
The dentist consults this impression when building a custom-made crown for you in their dental lab. They consider the size, shape, and color of your teeth to make sure you have a beautiful and natural-looking finish.
This approach also allows the crown to fit securely and comfortably without interfering with your oral function. It usually takes several weeks for a dentist to build this permanent crown.
Securing the Cap Over Your Tooth
When the crown is ready, you will return to your dentist’s office so that they can place it over your affected tooth. The dentist will use dental cement to ensure this permanent dental crown seals into place for long-lasting protection.
They will check your bite before you leave the office to make sure you can close your mouth properly. It may take some time to get used to the feeling of the crown, but if it hurts, let your dentist know as this is abnormal. Follow aftercare guidelines from your dentist to get the most out of your dental treatment.