What to Expect During Your Dental Crown Procedure?

 

A dental crown is an artificial cap that is used to reinforce a tooth when there isn't enough tooth tissue left to maintain it functional. Each crown is individually created to your particular demands and anatomy and is composed of a variety of materials, the most common of which is ceramic or porcelain. Dental Crowns can be used as fillings to prevent a weak tooth from shattering, as well as to conceal discolored or disfigured teeth. They are intended to enhance the functioning and look of one or more teeth.

Crown placement is often a two-step, two-appointment procedure. What can you expect during your dental crown process once you've scheduled the appointments?

The First Visit

During your initial session, your dentist will take a mold of your tooth and send it to a technician who specializes in the fabrication of crowns and other types of implants. The new crown will be custom-made to match the color of your teeth and fit perfectly, allowing it to blend in.

You may expect X-ray imaging of the tooth that has to be repaired, as well as the bone tissue around it, during your initial appointment. The dentist will next inject a local anesthetic around the tooth to keep you comfortable and pain-free during the treatment.

Your dentist will now file down sections of the old tooth to produce a surface on which to install the new crown in order to maximize the space for the new crown. If too much tooth structure is lacking owing to decay or injury, the extra filling material will be utilized to build up the adequate structure for the crown to sit on.

Following tooth reshaping, a specially formulated paste and mold tray are used to create an imprint of the tooth and its surrounding region. The impression is tuned to correspond to the form of your natural bite.

The first session closes with your dentist creating and installing a temporary crown on the tooth to protect and function it until the final crown is installed at the following appointment.

During the initial visit, the process normally takes 60-90 minutes.

Between Two Visits

During the period between the first and subsequent appointments, your dentist has sent your impressions to a dental laboratory or to an in-house technician who will utilize the mold to create the crown. The crown is completed and returned to your dentist's office in about two to three weeks.

The Follow-up Visit

The permanent crown will be put at the follow-up appointment. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and inspect it for fit and color before placing the permanent one. You'll be given a local anesthetic once again, and your dentist will clean and refile the mount to eliminate any dirt or defects.

Your dentist will now set the crown in its final position and allow the glue to "cure" for around 10-15 minutes before verifying the fit and adherence and removing any excess glue from around the tooth.

To complete the process, your dentist carefully verifies the new crown's fit. If required, the crown's surface will be filed down to properly match your bite.

This second follow-up appointment normally lasts around an hour.

Regular, semi-annual check-ups and dental cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. Visit The Dentist of Keller to learn more about dental crowns and how to enhance your dental health. The Dentist of Keller is here to help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums for the rest of your life. To schedule an appointment for a full dental checkup, call The Dentist of Keller at (817) 697-0177 or book online.