What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

If you are getting a dental crown, you might be wondering what the procedure involves. During this time, the dentist will work to restore your tooth. That way, you will not need to get the tooth extracted. Keep reading to learn more about what getting a dental crown will involve for you.

Multi-appointment dental crown procedure

The process for getting a dental crown will depend on what type of procedure the patient is having. With a multi-day procedure, the patient will wear a temporary crown. This is the traditional way of getting a dental crown. The dentist will begin by examining the tooth.

The examination can involve taking X-rays of the infected tooth. The dentist might take a mold of the tooth before beginning the procedure. Then the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. That way, the dentist can easily file down the tooth. Part of the outer layer will be removed to make way for the crown. However, if the tooth is worn, it might need to be built up first.

Next, the patient will have an impression of the area taken. A temporary crown will go over the area to better protect it. The impression will be sent over to a lab so the dental crown can be made. It might take two weeks or longer for this to happen.

The second visit will occur once the crown has been made. The dentist will check that the crown fits. Any adjustments can be made during this time. Then dental cement can be used to place the crown on the tooth.

Same-day dental crown procedure

A patient who is getting a same-day crown will not need to have a temporary crown. The preparation steps are the same as with a multi-day procedure. However, physical impressions will not be taken. Instead, technology will be used to take digital images of the tooth.

Software on the computer will use the photos to build a 3-D model of the patient’s mouth. Then the machine can create the crown. This can take some time. The dentist can then check the crown and cement it on the tooth. The appointment might be a couple of hours, depending on the patient.

Caring for a dental crown

When the crown has been placed, it is designed to be strong. However, the patient will need to take care of it well. Caring for the crown can help the patient to prolong its life. Careful brushing can help the teeth to stay healthy. If the area is sensitive to temperature, then toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be used.

Benefits of dental crowns

A dental crown can help treat damaged, crooked, or misshapen teeth. This restoration can keep a natural tooth intact. This restoration may take weeks to get. But the wait is worth it knowing that one can get the following benefits from getting a dental crown:

• It is a custom-fit restoration. The dentist will take measurements that can help create a crown that matches the patient’s natural teeth. The material will be based on the patient’s budget and needs. The good fit will make the crown blend well in the patient’s mouth.
• It can relieve the pain of a damaged tooth. A dental crown can restore the enamel and prevent the decay from worsening. It can also shield the tooth from trauma, sensitivity, and future damage.
• It is simple to get. A crown can bring back a person’s dental health. The most appealing thing about this restoration is that it is easy to get. The dentist will prepare the tooth, scan it, and send the patient’s dental information to the lab. After some waiting, the patient will come back to the clinic for the fitting and placement. This can help the patient regain proper chewing, biting, and speaking.
• It can last for a long time. The materials of a dental crown allow the patient to have it for years. It can take the pressures of chewing and biting. Even so, protecting the crown is important. Wearing a night guard for teeth grinding and a mouthguard for contact sports can help keep these restorations intact. Proper care and maintenance can help a crown last for at least 30 years.

Visit a dentist today for a dental crown

If you think you might benefit from having a dental crown, then visit your dentist today. It is better to get a crown now than to wait. This will give you a good chance of preserving your tooth. The longer you wait, the more any existing decay might spread. Making an appointment today is your first step.

Request an appointment here: https://www.missionfamilydentalslo.com or call Mission Family Dental at (805) 205-9278 for an appointment in our San Luis Obispo office.

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