A dental crown is a protective cap a dentist places on the tooth to either mask physical impairments and improve its aesthetics or protect and restore the tooth’s function after significant structural damages. The process of getting a dental crown is simple, but there may be certain adjustments based on the patient’s preferences.
Before getting a dental crown, the dentist will examine the teeth to know if a crown is necessary. Sometimes a tooth may be overly damaged to hold a crown. In other cases, additional treatment such a root canal may be required first.
During the initial consultation, the dentist will allow the patient to choose from different dental crown materials – typically metal, ceramic, amalgam, zirconia, porcelain-fused metal, and composite resin. All these materials have their advantages and drawbacks.
The first process is to prepare the tooth for a crown. The dentist will start by numbing the tooth and surrounding tissues. This is not often needed, especially if the tooth has undergone a root canal to remove the nerves, but it makes the treatment more comfortable.
After applying local anesthesia, the dentist will use gingival retraction chords to separate the gums from the tooth. This is to prevent damages to the gum and allow them to trim the tooth enough. After using the retraction chords, the dental expert will start shaving down the tooth. The reason is that crowns are usually thick to ensure strength. The type of material to be used will determine how much trimming will be done on the teeth. Metal crowns are slightly thinner than porcelain crowns, which means less trimming is required.
The trimming will ensure that the crown fits appropriately. Often, they may need to build up the teeth, especially in cases of severe decay. The dentist will apply a filling material to ensure the tooth has enough structure to support the crown.
After shaving down the tooth, the dentist will take an impression of the upper and lower teeth. This impression, along with the preferred color, will be forwarded to the dental lab where the lab technician will create the crown. The dentist may also use optical impression, where a camera will be used to scan the teeth to obtain digital information to produce a 3D dental crown.
While the dental lab is making the permanent crown, the dentist will place a temporary crown (usually made from composite resin or metal) over the teeth to protect the area. The temporary crown is less strong and will be removed as soon as the permanent crown is ready.
Making a permanent crown takes about 10 days, after which the patient will return to the dental office. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit of the permanent crown. They will place the crown on the tooth and make any necessary adjustment until the fit is perfect. After that, the dentist will cement the crown into place.
Mild discomfort is common after getting a dental crown, but that should disappear in no time. If any issue arises, inform your dentist immediately.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Looking for an emergency dentist in case your child experiences a dental emergency? It is a good idea to plan ahead of time. While some pediatric dentists offer emergency dental services, not all do. However, those who do, understand the importance of providing emergency dental care services, especially when the emergency has to do with…
Wondering if a dental cleaning helps prevent gum disease? Preventive dentistry, including routine dental cleanings, is essential to having a healthy mouth because it helps patients avoid cavities, enamel wear, and gum disease. Therefore, regular dental cleanings are crucial to a dental patient's oral health.Signing up for a dental cleaning on a regular basis is…
Dental bonding is a common dental procedure that repairs damaged teeth (chips, cracks, etc.), fills in gaps between teeth and lengthens teeth that are worn down or naturally too short. Understanding the process that dentists use with dental bonding should help you decide if treatment is right for you. Although each dentist will have their own…
Many general dentists offer dental implant restoration to treat tooth loss. They can also repair the dental implant restoration if anything happens, or they may recommend the patient to an oral surgeon for the most effective treatment if severe concerns develop. It is beneficial to understand what options you have if anything goes wrong with your…
An emergency dentist can help treat various conditions, such as a knocked-out tooth, swollen gums,…
Undergoing routine dental cleanings is necessary to prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria responsible for…
The first thing that the dentist may do is discuss the patient’s treatment goals, which…
The most notable risk of dental implant restoration is implant failure. This refers to an…
Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.
Losing some of your teeth can affect your appearance and oral health.