What Is the Process of Getting a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are caps for teeth and have the shape, size, and appearance of a tooth. They cover it to restore its strength and function. They fully encase the tooth visible above the gumline.

 

Why Would You Need Them?

There are several reasons why you may need dental crowns. The usual is cosmetic modification. They also cover dental implants and misshapen or discolored teeth and restore worn-out or broken teeth. They hold dental bridges in place and protect weak teeth from breaking.

 

Children can get crowns to prevent the loss of teeth from decay. They also protect teeth that are susceptible to decay.

 

Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown

Not all dentists have the technology for same-day procedures. So, most will opt for multiple days. During those days, the doctor will have a treatment plan that depends on what your tooth or teeth need.

 

Step One: Numbing the Tooth

The dentist will numb your tooth and its surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic. They will use it even though you may have a root canal. They do this because the instruments they will use get very close to the gingival tissue.

 

Step Two: Preliminary Impressions

They will make accurate models of the maxillary and mandibular arches. If you choose porcelain or ceramic crowns, the dentist will also note the shade of your teeth. The dentist sends the models to the dental laboratory to make your permanent crowns.

 

They will make a small impression of the teeth in the quadrant that requires a crown. They also take another from the opposing arch. It helps mold a temporary crown.

 

Step Three: Preparing the Tooth

It involves removing precise amounts of the tooth and filling material from the teeth requiring crowns. They will remove most of the enamel and leave the dentin. At this point, they will put your temporary crowns. You can use these as you wait for the permanent ones.

 

Step Four: Cementing

The dentist will schedule this appointment before you leave the first appointment. At this stage, they will numb the tooth or teeth again. They also thoroughly clean it before cementing the permanent crown.

 

Step Five: Permanent Crown

Once the tooth is completely numb, the dentist removes the temporary crown. The dentist also removes all the temporary cement and completely dries the tooth. They isolate your teeth from any saliva or water and apply a desensitizing agent to help with any sensitivity.

 

They place a bonding agent on the tooth and cure it. Then, they fill the permanent crown with cement and carefully place it over your tooth. The dentist uses floss to remove any excess tooth cement.

 

Step Six: Checking the Bite

After about ten minutes, the dentist will check how your teeth bite together. They will make any adjustments there and then. It is crucial to have the correct bite as a high bite can cause tooth pain or sensitivity. Once the dentist confirms all is well and removes all the excess cement, they will give you post-operative instructions.

 

If you notice anything unusual about your crowns, contact your dentist immediately.


 

For more information on the process of getting a dental crown, contact Clarity Dental Center for Implant and Family Dentistry at our office in Federal Way, Washington. You can call (253) 799-1490 to book an appointment today.