A dental crown is a restorative dental tool in which a dentist places a ceramic cap over a vulnerable tooth. If your tooth has sustained structural damage, your dentist may recommend this treatment to get your smile looking and feeling its best once again.
However, even though this treatment is highly beneficial, some patients may feel nervous when sitting in their dentist’s chair. Read on to feel more at ease about your pending dental work by learning what occurs when you receive dental crowns.
Oral Health Evaluation
Before pursuing treatment, your dentist will first want to examine the affected tooth. They want to determine if a dental crown is the most appropriate option.
They will evaluate the extent of the damage to the tooth and consider if a cap can restore its structure, function, and appearance according to your oral health goals. The dentist will also ensure that the tooth does not need any further treatment, such as drilling away tooth decay or completing root canal therapy, before receiving the crown.
Tooth Surface Preparation
To begin restorative treatment with a dental crown, your dentist must prepare the surface of the affected tooth. They will need to scrape away a minute amount of enamel in order to make room for the ceramic cap.
You will receive a local anesthetic at the beginning of this process. This way, you will not experience any discomfort in the dental chair. At the conclusion of this procedure, your dentist can give you a temporary crown to fit over the exposed tooth as you wait for your permanent crown to be built.
Oral Impression Capture
When the surface of your tooth is ready, your dentist will take an impression of your smile. They will employ either a physical mold or, in the case of our practice, digital imaging technology to get a clear, precise image of your tooth.
The dentist will use this impression to create a personalized permanent dental crown. This attention to detail will ensure that it will fit comfortably and securely in your smile. They will consider the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth to make the crown look both beautiful and natural when placed.
Permanent Crown Placement
Your dentist will ask you to return to their office once your permanent, custom-made crown is finished. They will place the cap over the tooth and seal it into place with dental cement.
The dentist will finish the procedure with a final polish, ensuring it looks its best in your smile. They will check your bite before you leave their office. With this final test, they make sure the new fixture will not interfere with your oral functions.
With proper care and maintenance, your new crown can give you restorative benefits for fifteen or more years. Avoid abnormal pressures on your dental work to prevent accidents that may require emergency repairs. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, let your dentist know. This behavior could hurt and wear down a dental crown.