When should you get dental crowns? How long does the procedure take? Is it painful? Will you get your dental crowns in one go? So many questions to address before moving forward with this option!
A dental crown procedure is one of the more suitable choice for cases in which a filling wouldn’t be enough. The tooth-shaped cap, that the crown actually is, will be placed over the tooth to restore its beautiful shape as part of a smile makeover and address an array of problems. A dental crown is a good solution for protecting weak teeth, addressing chipping or breakage, offering some tooth support, holding a dental bridge in place or making any other desirable cosmetic modification.
As you can see, dental crowns are truly versatile and they can be used to accomplish a lot. But what exactly does it feel to get one? The following guide will give you the answer.
Steps That the Dental Crown Procedure Consists of
Let’s start with a quick overview of the steps you will typically have to go through in order to get your dental crown.
These steps typically include the following:
- Going for a first visit to the dentist
- Numbing so that you wouldn’t experience any discomfort during the actual procedure
- Taking a preliminary impression so that the crown can be shaped
- Removal of tooth filling material and any decay
- The creation of a final impression
- Temporary crown fabrication and placement (while the actual crown is being made)
- Going for a second visit to the dentist
- Permanent crown placement with dental cement
As you’ve probably gathered from the steps above, you’ll need to see your dentist more than one time to get a dental crown (unless a same-day dental crown procedure can be performed). There’s a simple reason why – crowns are made for every single individual. They aren’t universally shaped and sizes. Once an impression of your teeth is created, it will be used to make tailored crowns that are only for you. While the process lasts, you may be given a temporary crown that will stand in as a replacement until the permanent one is ready.
First Visit: Preparations
The process of getting a dental crown can be broken down in two main steps – the first preparatory visit and the second one during which the crown will be permanently “installed.”
During your first visit, your dentist will probably take an X-ray image of your mouth to check the teeth’s roots and discover any concealed problems.
Depending on the specifics of the situation, a root canal treatment may be needed first. After that, the preliminary work for getting a dental crown will begin.
The area where your dentist is going to work will be numbed to reduce the risk of discomfort. The tooth that’s going to be receiving the crown will be cleaned and reshaped (along the chewing surface). Such preparations are required to ensure the proper fit of the crown and perfect comfort after it gets in your mouth.
Some dental clinics will take one preliminary impression before tooth shaping takes place and one final impression after. Both of these are needed to give the crown the most personalised appearance and design.
If you’re not getting same-day crowns, a temporary crown fabrication will be placed in your mouth. The aim of this crown is to allow effortless eating and the maintenance of a normal lifestyle until the permanent crown is ready.
Second Visit: Getting Your Crown
The second dental visit is the one during which you’ll get the actual crown.
If you had a temporary crown placed in your mouth, it will be removed first. Next, the dentist will check the fit and the colour of the permanent crown to make sure it’s ideal. In the event of no additional adjustments being required, the actual dental crown process will begin.
Some local anaesthetic will once again be applied to numb the area where the dentist will work.
When you stop feeling anything, the permanent crown will be cemented in place. It doesn’t matter what your dental crown is made of, the procedure is going to be the same for all varieties.
Same-Day Crowns with Orchard Scotts Dental: A Convenient Innovation
If you want to eliminate the multiple visits and the use of temporary crowns, consider going to a cosmetic dental clinic that offers a same-day procedure. Orchard Scotts Dental has invested in this technology required to eliminate multiple visits to give you beautiful porcelain dental crowns quickly and conveniently – all within the same day.
Same-day crowns usually involve digital imaging (no impression creation) that will create a 3D model of your mouth. Dental technicians will use that information to create tailor-made crowns in a matter of hours. Since digital imaging is so accurate, the fit of the crowns can be expected to be a perfect fit.
Getting same-day crowns is beneficial in a couple of additional ways. It helps restore the function and aesthetics of your teeth immediately. In addition, you can save money and eliminate some of the discomfort linked to getting traditional crowns. Also, you’ll eliminate the discomfort linked to temporaries (since these are meant to be a short-term fix, they’ll never offer a perfect fit).
A Few Aftercare Tips
Hopefully, you now feel reassured about the simplicity and painlessness of the dental crown procedure. There is, however, one more thing to keep in mind. That thing is aftercare. Making sure your dental crown is maintained in a good condition will have a serious positive impact on its lifespan.
The good news is that taking care of your dental crown is fairly simple. If you’re cleaning your teeth meticulously, you’re already good to go.
Treat your crown(s) the way you would your teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Keep in mind that some types of crowns are susceptible to cracking. Refrain from putting a lot of pressure on your brand new crown. Biting into something hard (like trying to crack a walnut with your teeth, for example) is a big no-no. This is especially important for the individuals who have gotten porcelain crowns.
Don’t hesitate to talk to our dental clinic about the specific problem you’re dealing with. If a dental crown is recommended as the best solution, feel free to ask follow-up questions. The more information you have, the easier you’ll find it to make up your mind and feel completely satisfied with the outcome of your dental procedure.