If you have a damaged tooth, a dental crown can effectively restore strength, function, and appearance. A dental crown is a custom-made restoration designed to fully cover and protect the visible portion of a weakened or compromised tooth. In addition to reinforcing the tooth structure, crowns can improve the overall look of your smile.
Theprocess of receiving a dental crown involves several important steps. You may have questions about how the tooth is prepared, the materials used to create the crown, or what to expect during the procedure.
In this article, we outline each stage of the dental crown process, from initial preparation to the final placement, so you can better understand how this treatment works and why it remains a reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth.
Your dentist will begin by administering a numbing agent into the surrounding gums and cheek area. When administered correctly, a numbing agent is highly effective at removing all sharp pain during the dental crown procedure. You can also opt for a sedative to help relax you further if required. Sedatives can include nitrous-oxide or oral sedatives. A mouth guard will also be placed gently in your mouth to keep your mouth accessible during the procedure. Once the numbing agent has firmly kicked in, it’s time for the next step in the procedure.
Your current tooth will need to be smoothed down to make space for the dental crown. If your tooth is showing signs of damage or decay, your dental specialist will remove any damage and clean the tooth thoroughly. If the damage is extensive, further dental work may be required.Your tooth may require a filling to close the cavity after drilling. In the case of minor damage, your tooth will be smoothed out to ensure a good fit. A perfect fit requires the tooth to be slightly tapered on the sides, allowing the crown to fit correctly.
The next step is your dentist will take a dental impression of your tooth. This is usually done with dental putty which you bite down on to form a dental impression. In some cases, a 3D digital image of your tooth may also be taken to provide a detailed analysis of the tooth.
Your tooth impression is sent to a dental lab where a permanent crown is fabricated. These are either made of porcelain, gold, or a mixture of porcelain and metals. Your dentist will advise you on how long the crown will take to manufacture.
Some dental practices now offer same-day crowns, but if your permanent crown is being manufactured in a lab, you’ll need a temporary crown. Made of composite resin, temporary crowns are lightly cemented and designed to provide function and protection until your permanent crown is ready. Once your temporary crown is fitted, you will need to be careful not to eat anything too hard to prevent any risk of it becoming loose.
Once your permanent crown is ready, it’s time for the final fitting. Your dental specialist will begin by removing your temporary crown and removing any cement on your tooth. Your new permanent crown will then be placed onto your tooth to check for several factors, including the fit, spacing, and color. The next step is what is known as adjusting your bite. Your dentist will ask you to bite down on articulating paper. This will reveal any high points on the crown that may need to be finely shaved off. The aim is for your bite to feel completely natural. Once all these adjustments have been made, your permanent crown will be cemented into place.
Dental crowns can last a lifetime when fitted professionally and cared for properly. It’s good to be aware that even though your affected tooth is covered by a permanent crown, the underlying structure can still be susceptible to decay or infection. Instilling proper dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, is vital to keep your teeth clean and free of plaque buildup.
It’s not uncommon to experience dental crown pain from a previous procedure. Issues can include infection and inflammation, loosening, tooth decay, or high bite alignment. If you’re struggling with pain, contact your dentist immediately.
At Eriks Dental Group we offer state-of-the-art dental crown services. From your first consult, our dental team will conduct a comprehensive dental check-up to determine whether a dental crown is the best course of action. Once this has been established, we’ll talk you through each of the above steps and help you decide on the right type of dental crown that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Our full-service dental services means we’ll be able to address any other dental needs that you may have during the initial check-up.
Our warm, inviting environment is matched with a world-class dental team who are ready to offer you personalized dental care. Call us today at 954-463-5051 or request an appointment online.
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