A dental crown is one of the most versatile restorations used in dentistry. It serves cosmetic and restorative purposes, and it is used as a long-term solution for a variety of dental issues like broken, deformed, or decayed teeth. Crowns are designed to look just like real teeth, making it virtually impossible to notice them when they are made with tooth-colored materials.
The process of getting a dental crown typically requires two trips to the dentist. The restoration is often made in a dental lab, and it takes about two weeks for it to get back to the dentist, hence the reason for the second visit. In some cases, the process can be completed during a single visit if the dentist has the equipment needed to make crowns on-site.
The patient’s first visit is used to prepare their tooth for the crown’s placement. Teeth are typically shaved down before placing crowns to create a better fit with the restoration. This involves removing enamel from each side, which is an irreversible process. Enamel serves as a shield that protects teeth, so teeth that have had significant portions of enamel removed from them will always need some restoration to protect them moving forward.
The dentist will thoroughly evaluate the tooth before preparing it for a dental crown, searching for issues like tooth decay and damage to the tooth’s pulp chamber. Such issues increase the risk of the tooth being infected in the future, so the dentist might recommend a root canal to remove the soft tissues in the pulp chamber. Diagnostic tools like x-rays might be used to help make this assessment. The dentist will also take records of the color of the patient’s teeth so their restoration can be color-matched to their teeth.
Once the patient’s tooth has been prepared, the dentist takes an impression of it by having the person bite down on a mold. The impression is then sent to the dental lab where the patient’s crown will be made. A temporary crown is then placed on the patient’s prepared tooth to protect it while they wait for the customized crown.
Once the patient’s crown is ready, the dentist calls them for a second visit. During this appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the customized crown is placed. The dentist will make adjustments as needed before cementing the customized crown in place with dental cement.
Patients are free to return to their regular activities after getting a crown. Some patients might experience increased teeth sensitivity that lasts a few days following the procedure, but it should last no longer than a week. Patients are advised to avoid sticky and chewy foods for the first few days after getting a crown while their cement sets. Crowns do not require any special care beyond that. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is all the maintenance these restorations need.
Dealing with a dental issue that requires a crown? Call or visit our New Albany clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.
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