A dental crown is a fixture used in restorative dentistry that improves the health, function, and aesthetics of a tooth. It features a ceramic cap that fits over the surface of the tooth, providing protection and enhancement that you can rely on to promote the health of the tooth for fifteen years or longer.
Though the benefits of this treatment seem clear, some people may feel nervous about introducing a new fixture to their smile. You can feel more confident pursuing this treatment when you know what to expect throughout the process. Check out the different steps of the procedure to receive your dental crown when you read on.
Attend Dental Evaluation
Before beginning dental crown treatment, a dentist will ask you to attend a dental consultation appointment. During this visit, a dentist will evaluate the health of the affected tooth to confirm if a crown is the best way to treat the issue.
Dentists employ crowns to repair many types of damage in a tooth, including enamel erosion and tooth breakage. But they use an individualized approach to oral healthcare to ensure comprehensive dental solutions that will address your specific needs. So this examination of your smile is necessary before proceeding with treatment.
Prepare the Tooth’s Surface
If you and your dentist decide to pursue dental crown treatment, the dentist first must prepare the affected tooth. This means shaving a minute amount of enamel from the tooth to make room for the ceramic cap. You will receive a local anesthetic to ensure that you do not feel any discomfort during this procedure.
Obtain Dental Impressions
When the tooth is ready for treatment, your dentist will take an impression of your smile using either a physical mold or digital scanning. This image of the tooth will be used to make a customized crown that will suit the unique size, shape, and color of your tooth. This way, you can look forward to a comfortable and secure fit that will look authentic in your smile without interfering with oral function.
Build Custom Dental Crown
The dentist builds your custom dental crown in their lab, which can take a few weeks to complete. During this time, a dentist will provide you with a temporary crown that covers the vulnerable tooth while you wait for your permanent crown.
The dentist uses ceramic to construct this lab-processed crown. This material will look polished and stunning while also withstanding wear and tear.
Receive Permanent Dental Crown
Once the dental crown is ready, you will return to your dentist’s office to receive this fixture in your smile. The dentist uses special tools to easily remove the temporary crown. Then they cover the tooth with the permanent crown, sealing it into place with dental cement.
They check your bite before you leave the office to ensure that the crown fits properly. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to allow the crown to settle into place and maximize the benefits of this fixture.