If you sustain damage to one of your teeth, your dentist will likely suggest restorative treatment with a dental crown. This fixture will cover a tooth, boosting its appearance and protecting it from further harm.
Though its oral health benefits seem evident, patients might still feel nervous about undergoing dental work. They can feel more at ease in the dentist’s chair if they know what will occur during their treatment. Read on to find details about each step of the dental crown procedure to alleviate lingering dental fear.
What Happens When I Receive a Dental Crown?
Examining the Affected Tooth
Before proceeding with dental crown treatment, your dentist will first examine the tooth in question. They will evaluate the health of the tooth and determine if a crown will be the best option to restore its structure.
The dentist will also check the surrounding teeth and gums for signs of damage. They can provide any necessary treatment to your oral health ready to receive this new dental fixture.
Preparing the Tooth Enamel
The first step of the dental crown procedure involves preparing the surface of the affected tooth. A dentist will need to shave a minute amount of enamel from the tooth to make room for the ceramic cap.
To make sure you stay comfortable during this process, the dentist will give you a local anesthetic. This will numb this specific area of the mouth so that you will not feel anything while the dentist works. Enamel will not grow back, so this treatment is considered permanent due to this alteration of the structure of the tooth.
Taking Impressions of Your Smile
In the same appointment where the dentist prepares the tooth, they will take impressions of your smile. They will use either a physical mold or digital imaging to capture an accurate image of your teeth.
The dentist will use the impression to construct a personalized dental crown. They factor in the unique size, shape, and color of the tooth so that you can receive a beautiful and natural-looking final fixture. This process also ensures that the crown will fit comfortably and securely.
The dentist builds the crown in their dental lab. The process can take several weeks, but they can give you a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime.
Securing the Dental Crown
Once the permanent dental crown is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office to have the cap secured over the tooth. The dentist will use dental cement to keep the crown in place and create a seal. This ensures the crown will not dislodge at an inopportune moment and also prevents plaque and other dental dangers from reaching the vulnerable tooth.
The dentist checks your bite before you leave the office to make sure that the new fixture does not disrupt your ability to perform oral functions. A final polish will make the crown look gorgeous in your smile. Follow aftercare instructions from your dentist to avoid breaking it. If this does occur, contact your dentist for emergency repairs or replacements.