If you have an upcoming appointment to get a dental crown, you may be wondering what the process involves and what to expect. Dental crowns are a common restorative treatment used to protect damaged teeth, restore function, and improve the appearance of your smile. Understanding how dentists prepare your teeth for a crown can help ease any anxiety and ensure you feel confident going into your appointment.
The Purpose of a Dental Crown
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a tooth to strengthen it or restore its shape and size. Crowns are often recommended for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, or have undergone root canal therapy. They provide durable protection and can also enhance the look of your tooth if it is discolored or misshapen.
Preparing Your Tooth for a Crown
During your crown preparation appointment, the dentist will carefully reshape the affected tooth to make space for the crown. This usually involves:
- Numbing the area: Your dentist will start by applying a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
- Removing damaged or decayed areas: Any decay or old filling material will be removed to create a healthy foundation for the crown.
- Shaping the tooth: Using precise dental instruments, the dentist will trim down the tooth to create the right shape and size for the crown to fit snugly and securely.
- Taking impressions: After shaping, the dentist will take detailed impressions of your tooth and the surrounding teeth. These molds are sent to a dental lab to create your custom crown. Some practices may use digital scanners instead of traditional molds.
Temporary Crown Placement
Since the permanent crown is made outside the office, you’ll usually receive a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth. This temporary cap is cemented in place and allows you to eat and speak normally while waiting for your permanent crown to be ready, typically within a couple of weeks.
The Crown Placement Appointment
Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dental office to have it fitted and secured. The dentist will:
- Remove the temporary crown.
- Check the fit, shape, and color of the new crown to make sure it matches your natural teeth.
- Cement the crown permanently onto your prepared tooth.
After placement, your dentist will ensure your bite feels comfortable and may make minor adjustments.
What to Expect After Getting a Crown
It’s normal to experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort around the tooth and gums for a few days after the crown placement. This should improve with time and over-the-counter pain relievers. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help your crown last many years.
Dental crowns are a reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth, and understanding the preparation process can make your treatment smoother and less stressful.
About the Practice
Modern Dental Roswell focuses on high-quality restorative dentistry with patient comfort as a priority. Led by Dr. Kakadia and Dr. Kataria, our practice offers personalized care using the latest dental technology, including same-day crown options. Our skilled team ensures each patient receives thorough explanations and gentle treatment to achieve lasting results.
Call us at (770) 993-6893 or request an appointment online.
