A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a decayed, worn, or damaged tooth. It can be made of a variety of materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, and gold. If a damaged or worn tooth is left untreated, it affects more than the aesthetics of your smile: it could lead to serious oral health issues. The procedure to get a dental crown might sound daunting, but your dental team will be with you every step of the way. Here’s an inside look at how dentists prepare your teeth for dental crowns so your appointment is stress-free.
Dental Crown Preparation: The Process
The dental crown procedure from design to placement can be done within three visits. Although the process may vary slightly between practices, the steps generally follow the same pattern:
- Initial consultation – Your dentist will examine your mouth and consider the location of your tooth and the amount of stress it incurs to determine what material your crown should be.
- Tooth preparation – First, your dentist will remove any damage or decay. Then, they’ll clean out the tooth. Once cleaned, the missing structure will be filled to keep bacteria out of the tooth. Finally, the surface of the tooth will be smoothed out.
- Tooth impressions – An impression of your tooth and the surrounding area is sent to a lab so a custom-fit crown can be made.
- Temporary crown – Then, you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown over your tooth. It isn’t designed to stay there for very long and is just a cover until your permanent crown.
- Dental lab – A skilled technician or ceramicist at a trusted dental lab will make your crown according to the exact specifications.
- Removal of the temporary crown – After about two weeks, or whenever your permanent crown has been completed and delivered, return to your dentist’s office and they will remove the temporary crown.
- Final crown placement – Your dentist will affix the permanent crown using dental cement, wipe away the excess, and restore your smile’s function, beauty, and comfort.
The Benefit of Dental Crowns
A damaged or severely worn tooth can lead to acute pain or a diseased tooth root without treatment, compromising the structural integrity and health of your mouth. Dental crowns are highly durable and can protect, restore, and cover damaged or decayed teeth.
Although they are functional, dental crowns can also be cosmetic. Your dentist can give you a natural, seamless look with a ceramic or porcelain crown. You can customize its size, shape, and color. Dentists also use dental crowns to cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Getting a dental crown doesn’t have to be scary. The benefits should far outweigh any of your worries about the process! You’ll have long-lasting results for years to come after just three visits.
About the Author
Dr. Robert B. Mitchell provides the North Dallas area with a comprehensive array of dental services to create beautiful and healthy smiles. He offers all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and gold dental crowns. If you’re interested in learning more about dental crown preparation, contact Dr. Mitchell at his website or by phone at (972) 233-1311.
