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The Process Of Getting A Crown

23 September 2018

Oscar Allen

Having a crown prepared and placed is a fairly straight-forward and painless procedure depending on how much work needs to be done to your existing tooth. Most of the time, getting a crown is a two-part process. The first part is when your tooth is prepared for the crown, the second part is when the crown is placed on your tooth. Some dentists can do it in one sitting as well. If you've never had a crown, there here is what you should expect.

Assessing the Tooth

First, your dentist will assess if you really need a crown or if a crown will work in your case. If you're getting one for cosmetic reasons, then your tooth will be examined to make sure it can hold a crown. Other reasons for getting a crown include severe decay over a large area of the tooth or a tooth that's cracked on the sides or bottom.

Preparing the Tooth

During your first visit, your dentist will need to prepare the tooth for the new crown. It's imperative that precise measurements are taken in order for the crown to fit.

Filling or Building Up the Tooth

If you have lost a substantial amount of your tooth and couldn't or didn't save any broken pieces, then the dentist will need to fill up the tooth to a normal level. In some cases, if there is other decay, a filling or root canal will also be done.

Making the Impression

After the tooth is built up, an impression will be taken of it and the surrounding teeth. Also, your dentist will try to match your tooth color. All of this information will be sent to a lab which will make your crown. Your natural tooth will then be trimmed and shaped, and a temporary crown, usually made of metal, is placed.

Placing the Permanent Crown

In about two to three weeks, your new crown will be ready. Your dentist will either numb your tooth or numb the surrounding gums. The temporary crown will then be removed, and the new crown will be placed and fitted before finally being cemented into place.

After the procedure, you may be told not to eat or drink anything hot, hard, or sticky until the cement fully cures. After that, you should treat it just like the rest of your teeth. Your new dental crown should last for years, perhaps even your entire life, depending on the material of which it's made and how well you care for it. If you think you need dental crowns or are having dental problems in general, then contact a dentist as soon as possible.

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