The Dental Crown Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its function, shape, and appearance. Dental crowns are often used to protect a weak tooth, repair a cracked tooth, or cover a dental implant.

Initial Consultation

The first step in the dental crown process is an initial consultation with a dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will:

• Examine Your Teeth: The dentist will examine your teeth to determine if a dental crown is the best treatment option for your specific needs.
• Discuss Your Dental History: The dentist will ask about your dental history, including any previous dental work or medical conditions.
• Explain the Procedure: The dentist will explain the dental crown procedure in detail, including the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes.
• Answer Your Questions: The dentist will answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

Tooth Preparation

Once you have decided to proceed with a dental crown, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the crown. This typically involves:

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth.
• Tooth Shaping: The dentist will remove a portion of the tooth’s enamel to make room for the crown.
• Temporary Crown: In some cases, the dentist may place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.

Dental Impression

The dentist will take a dental impression of your prepared tooth. This impression will be used to create a model of your tooth, which will be used to create the dental crown.

Crown Fabrication

The dental impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where a dental technician will create the dental crown. The dental technician will use the impression to create a model of your tooth and then fabricate the crown using a variety of materials, such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.

Crown Placement

Once the dental crown is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office for the final step in the process: the placement of the crown. This typically involves:

• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth.
• Crown Placement: The dentist will carefully place the crown over your prepared tooth.
• Crown Adjustment: The dentist may need to make minor adjustments to the crown to ensure a proper fit and bite.
• Cementation: The dentist will cement the crown in place.
• Final Check: The dentist will check your bite to ensure that it is correct.

Aftercare

After the dental crown is placed, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort. However, these symptoms should subside within a few days. To help ensure the longevity of your dental crown, it is important to:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid biting into hard foods, such as nuts or ice, as this can damage your dental crown.
• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the health of your dental crown.

By following these steps and taking good care of your dental crown, you can enjoy a beautiful, functional smile for years to come.

Don’t wait to regain confidence in your dental health. Schedule an appointment at Steele Creek Smiles today and let our expert team provide you with a custom dental crown solution. Call us now at (704) 587-1010 or Book Online to get started!