A troubled tooth can cause a myriad of problems. Whether it’s decay or damage, it may be harder to eat, chew, and smile comfortably. If this sounds familiar to you, your dentist may recommend a reliable restoration called a dental crown. Thousands of people choose this treatment each year around the world because it can easily restore the full function and aesthetics of their teeth.
Although getting a dental crown is a common procedure, you may still feel nervous about it since you’re unfamiliar with the treatment process. To help ease your worries, here’s a step-by-step guide on how your dentist prepares a tooth for a dental crown.
Step 1: Assessment of the Tooth’s Condition
Before diving into any treatment, your dentist first examines your tooth. They do so by looking at it and potentially taking some X-rays. With all this information, your dentist will have a clear picture of the damage or decay and its severity.
If any issues may cause complications in the future, it’s best to address them first. For instance, if your tooth’s pulp is infected, putting a crown over it will only allow the infection to spread. Your dentist will check to see if any preliminary treatments are needed before placing a dental crown
Step 2: Local Anesthetic & Tooth Preparation
Next, your tooth needs to be prepared for a dental crown. Any damage or decayed tissue needs to be removed, as well as a small amount of enamel. Adjusting the enamel allows the dental crown to fit over the tooth and sit snugly in line with the rest of your pearly whites. To ensure your comfort throughout this process, a local anesthetic is used to numb your mouth. Once you are properly numb, your dentist will get to work preparing the tooth!
You may feel pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you have sensitive teeth or are feeling nervous about this step, some dental offices may offer sedation options like oral conscious sedation that can help.
Step 3: Impressions & Temporary Dental Crown
After your tooth is prepared, your dentist will take dental impressions. They are sent to a dental lab that expertly crafts a dental crown to fit the exact space. It takes approximately two weeks for the lab to perfect the restoration.
In the meantime, before your dentist sends you home, they’ll place a temporary crown on the tooth. This type of dental crown is meant to protect your prepared tooth until the permanent crown can be placed. It’s not as durable as the one being crafted, so it’s essential to be careful when eating to avoid damaging it.
Step 4: Final Dental Crown Placement
During your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown so they can place the permanent one. They make sure the restoration fits perfectly before cementing it into place. Once they do, you now have a tooth that is both protected and functional.
There is a lot that goes into preparing a tooth for a dental crown. However, each step is crucial in ensuring that this restoration looks and feels natural in your mouth. Modern technology has made it faster and easier than ever! Reach out to your dentist to learn if a dental crown is right for you and start your journey to a restored, confident smile.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Mitchell earned his DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. He believes in continuing his education by completing numerous national and international postgraduate courses on restorative dentistry techniques. Dr. Mitchell offers a wide range of services, including dental crowns.
He utilizes state-of-the-art dental technology and collaborates with a dental lab to ensure your restoration is of the highest quality. If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or have any questions, schedule an appointment or call us at (972) 233-1311.
