What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure

A dental crown is a common solution for repairing and restoring damaged or weakened teeth. Whether due to decay, wear and tear, or after a root canal procedure, dental crowns can help preserve a tooth's function and appearance. If you’ve been advised to get a dental crown, you may have questions about the process, the timeline, and what to expect during the procedure. Understanding the steps involved can help you feel more confident and prepared.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect during a dental crown procedure, from the initial consultation to the final placement and aftercare.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Before we dive into the procedure itself, let’s first understand what dental crowns are and why they are used.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength. Crowns are designed to cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, offering protection against further damage. They are commonly used to:

• Repair a tooth with extensive decay or a large filling
• Strengthen a tooth after a root canal
• Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
• Restore a tooth that has been cracked or fractured

Crowns are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. The material used will depend on factors such as the location of the tooth and the patient’s aesthetic preferences.

The Steps Involved in a Dental Crown Procedure

A dental crown procedure typically involves two visits to the dentist. Below, we outline what happens during each visit to ensure you are well-prepared for the process.

1. Initial Consultation and Tooth Evaluation

The first step in getting a dental crown is a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, the dentist will thoroughly examine the affected tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or decay. If the tooth has been severely weakened or is infected, additional treatments such as a root canal may be necessary before proceeding with the crown.

Discussing Treatment Options

The dentist will discuss your treatment options, including the type of crown that will best suit your needs. For example, if the crown is for a tooth in the back of your mouth where strength is more important than appearance, a metal crown may be recommended. For teeth in the front of the mouth, porcelain or ceramic crowns are often chosen for their natural look.

2. Tooth Preparation

Once your treatment plan is established, the next step is preparing the tooth for the crown. This step is crucial for ensuring that the crown fits securely and functions properly.

Numbing the Tooth and Surrounding Area

Before beginning any work on the tooth, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. In some cases, if the tooth requires a root canal, the anesthesia will cover the entire tooth and surrounding gums.

Shaping the Tooth

The dentist will then reshape the tooth to accommodate the crown. This typically involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and reshaping it to ensure a proper fit for the crown. In some cases, the dentist may need to build up the tooth with a special material if too much of the original tooth structure has been lost.

Taking Impressions of the Tooth

Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This can be done using a traditional molding material or with a digital scanner, which creates a 3D image of the tooth. The impression is then sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be fabricated to fit perfectly.

3. Placement of a Temporary Crown

While your permanent dental crown is being created in the lab, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. This temporary crown will protect the prepared tooth and restore its function until the permanent crown is ready for placement.

Caring for a Temporary Crown

Since temporary crowns are not as durable as permanent ones, it’s important to take care when eating and drinking. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge or damage the temporary crown. Be gentle when flossing around it as well.

4. Fabrication of the Permanent Crown

It typically takes about two weeks for the dental lab to fabricate your custom crown. During this time, your dentist will monitor the progress and ensure that the crown is being made according to the specifications of your tooth. Once ready, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to place the permanent crown.

5. Placement of the Permanent Crown

When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the final placement. During this appointment, the dentist will check the fit, color, and overall appearance of the crown to ensure that it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Fitting the Crown

The dentist will first place the crown over your tooth without bonding it to check the fit and alignment. The dentist will assess whether the crown feels comfortable when you bite down and whether the fit is secure.

Bonding the Crown

Once the dentist confirms the fit, they will clean and prepare your tooth for bonding. The inside of the crown will be coated with a special dental cement, and the crown will be placed over the tooth. A curing light is used to harden the cement and ensure a strong bond between the crown and the tooth.

Final Adjustments

After bonding the crown in place, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your bite feels natural and comfortable. You may be asked to bite down on a special paper strip to check the alignment and adjust the crown if necessary.

6. Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up

Once the crown is placed, the dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new restoration. With proper care, a dental crown can last many years, but it’s important to follow good oral hygiene practices to ensure its longevity.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly, but be gentle around the crown to avoid damaging it.
• Avoid biting on hard foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candies, which can cause the crown to crack or become loose.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

When to Contact Your Dentist

If you experience any discomfort, sensitivity, or if the crown feels loose or falls off, contact your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner the issue is addressed, the easier it will be to correct.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a wide range of benefits, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Some of the primary advantages include:

1. Restoring Tooth Function

Dental crowns restore the strength and function of damaged teeth, allowing you to chew, bite, and speak normally. This is especially important for teeth that play a significant role in the chewing process, such as molars.

2. Improving Appearance

Crowns, particularly those made of porcelain or ceramic, are designed to mimic the natural appearance of your teeth. This makes them an ideal solution for visible teeth that need restoration, such as front teeth that are chipped, cracked, or discolored.

3. Long-Lasting Durability

With proper care, dental crowns are highly durable and can last for many years. Crowns made from metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal are especially resistant to wear and tear, making them a strong option for long-term restoration.

4. Preventing Further Damage

Crowns help prevent further damage to the tooth. By covering the entire tooth, a crown can protect it from future decay, fractures, or additional wear. This makes crowns an excellent option for patients with weakened teeth due to decay or trauma.

Conclusion

The dental crown procedure is a safe and effective way to restore the function and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. While the process involves multiple steps, each phase is designed to ensure that the final result is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By following your dentist’s instructions and taking proper care of your dental crown, you can enjoy a restored smile that will last for years.

If you’re considering dental crowns or need further assistance, reach out to Quincy Dentists Family Dentistry for expert care and advice. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.