Scheduling a tooth crown procedure can be an important choice to preserve the remaining portion of a tooth that is damaged or decayed. Many years ago, before modern dentistry, severe damage to a tooth meant that the tooth needed to be extracted. Now, there are many restoration options to save the tooth and avoid extraction – such as a crown or tooth procedure.
This treatment requires a few more steps and stages than a basic filling. But it’s worth the effort because of the long-term results that can be achieved. If you are preparing for a tooth crown procedure, talk to your dentist about how the treatment will occur and what you can expect before, during, and after the placement of a dental crown.
What Is a Dental Crown?
If you haven’t been through a procedure for a tooth crown before, then you need to learn more about what is happening during the treatment. A dental crown is a covering or cap that fits over the remaining portion of a damaged tooth. Sometimes, the crown covers the tooth fully. Other times, a partial crown is designed to replace only a portion of the tooth.
Dental crowns are typically made using metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Your dentist will offer recommendations about the ideal materials to ensure beautiful aesthetics and the long-term function of the crown.
Even though the phrase “dental crown” refers to a cover that fits over your tooth, there are actually several different types of crowns that can be placed:
- Temporary Crown: If you are waiting for the dental lab to create a crown, it might be necessary to use a temporary crown for a few days. This temporary restoration is secured using a special adhesive that holds it in place. Then, the permanent crown is placed during a follow-up appointment.
- One Day Crown: Many dental offices invest in same-day crown technology. With this crown process for tooth restoration, it’s possible to prepare the tooth and place the crown in one appointment. Computer-aided design creates a personalized crown in a machine located on-site.
- Onlay: If only a portion of the tooth needs to be repaired, your dentist might recommend a partial crown.
What Are the Steps of a Dental Crown?
Specific processes must be followed to ensure the success of your dental crown placement. What are the steps of crown restoration? Here’s a quick overview of how this process works:
- Examination and Checkup: The first step is important because the dentist needs to determine whether it is necessary to place a dental crown on the damaged tooth. Not only is an examination done, but X-rays can be used to assess the extent of the damage.
- Tooth Preparation: When it’s time to start the tooth crown procedure, the tooth will be prepared by removing any decay and filing it down. A portion of the outer layer of the tooth must be removed in order to allow placement of the dental crown. How long does the first step of a crown take? It can often be completed in an hour or less, including time for local anesthetic, preparing the tooth, and taking a digital scan or mold of the location where the crown needs to be placed.
- Creating the Crown: Once the tooth is ready, then it’s time to create the crown. Traditionally, an impression of the tooth is taken and then sent to a lab to manufacture your custom crown. This process can happen in less than an hour using digital technology that creates the crown while you are relaxing in the dental chair.
- Crown Placement: Finally, it’s time to secure the crown in place. The dentist will clean the tooth and make sure that it is shaped correctly for the crown placement. Dental bonding is used to hold the new restoration over the tooth. When this step is done right, your dental crown can last for many years in the future – staying in place firmly.
How Long Does It Take to Put a Crown On?
Once a dental crown has been designed and created, the actual placement process only takes a few minutes. This tooth crown procedure can be done without numbing the affected area. The dentist simply places the custom-made crown over the damaged tooth using special materials to bond the crown.
Usually, this stage of the process of a dental crown can be done in 10 minutes or less if you are having a same-day CEREC crown. On the other hand, if the crown is manufactured in a lab and you are wearing a temporary crown, then it may take more time to remove the remaining adhesive and prepare the surface of the tooth.
Which Is Stronger: Porcelain or Ceramic Crown?
The most common materials used for dental crowns in modern dentistry include porcelain and ceramic. Talk to your dentist about their recommendations as you choose between different materials.
Your dentist will consider a variety of factors to determine the ideal crown for your unique needs. Here are some of the considerations before a tooth crown procedure:
- The location of the tooth that needs a crown
- The visibility of the tooth when you open your mouth or smile
- Gum tissue positioning
- Function of the tooth being treated
- The amount of natural tooth that remains
- Color and appearance of the surrounding teeth
Dental Care Tips After a Tooth Crown Procedure
When your new crown is in place, you will feel confident and happy about the overall appearance and function of your smile. It’s important that you take care of this dental restoration so you can enjoy long-lasting results. Proper dental care prolongs the life of the dental crown and also helps you minimize complications from the process of dental crown placement.
These helpful tips will protect your crown and ensure optimal results in the future:
- Brush the crown carefully and thoroughly, like you brush the other teeth in your mouth. Everyone should be brushing twice a day.
- Flossing around the crown is an important step to avoid gum disease in that area.
- Consider wearing a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth at night. Not only will this mouthguard help to alleviate the symptoms of TMJ, but it can also reduce the risk of cracking or damaging your crown.
Expert Tooth Crown Procedure from a Team You Can Trust
If you have questions about the process of a dental crown, then reach out to our team at myDental. We offer full-service dental solutions, including both cosmetic and general dentistry. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.