Dental crowns come in all shapes and sizes. When learning you need one to protect a vulnerable tooth, you may begin to wonder what the process will be like on the day of your treatment. Keep reading to learn what it takes to prepare your tooth for a one-of-a-kind dental crown.
What Are the Steps to Receiving a Dental Crown?
Damage and tooth decay are the primary reasons a dentist will recommend a dental crown. When bacteria spread beyond the enamel, a tooth-colored filling is no longer enough to restore the structure. As a result, a more complex solution is required – a custom crown.
The steps that are required to receive one of these restorations are as follows:
Initial Examination
You will meet with your dentist to discuss the severity of your dental damage or decay. They will evaluate the affected tooth to determine the extent of the problem, its location and size, and whether any additional issues need to be addressed.
Tooth Preparation
Preparing the tooth for crown placement is essential. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area so that you don’t feel any discomfort. Once you are comfortable, the dentist will remove the decayed area, then fill and reshape it so the crown can be placed over it snugly. Your team will then take impressions and send them to a local dental lab. There, skilled technicians will use the digital image to create your customized crown, ensuring the size, shape, and color match the specifications provided.
Placing a Temporary Crown
While waiting for your permanent crown to arrive, you will wear a temporary one so that your tooth remains properly protected. During this time, you will need to adhere to post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist to avoid further damage or infection.
Crown Creation
Over the next few weeks, technicians will fabricate a new crown that fits seamlessly once it is secured. Depending on the materials your dentist prefers to use, you can expect optimal durability and a more confident appearance because of the skill and precision used by lab technicians.
Delivery of Crown for Placement
Once your crown is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office to have the temporary removed. After evaluating the new restoration, your dentist will use a strong cement to hold the new crown in place over your tooth. This will not cause any discomfort.
A final check of the fit, use, and appearance will signal the end of your appointment, allowing you to resume your normal routine with a healthier, happier smile.
About the Author
Dr. Robert De Rosso and the team at Today’s Family Dental aim to provide top-tier restorative treatment to patients with damaged or decayed teeth. Offering customized dental crowns for superior protection, he ensures that the look and feel of each restoration delivers the results patients expect and deserve. If you have a tooth that requires repair, contact us via our website or call (908) 689-8887 to schedule a consultation.