Your dentist probably won’t have a red carpet to roll out for your tooth’s coronation, but a dental bib will probably do the trick. Dental crowns are used to protect compromised teeth and save them from extraction, and modern versions can be placed in one appointment and are so lifelike that they will go unnoticed by the casual observer. If you have an upcoming dental crown appointment, here’s what you can expect to happen during the procedure.
Preparing the Patient
The process of placing a crown begins with a thorough examination of your mouth to evaluate the tooth and the area around it. Your dentist may take X-rays to gain information on the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone. They will then apply a local anesthetic to the tooth to keep you comfortable and responsive during the procedure.
Preparing the Tooth
Your dentist will most likely need to remove some amount of the tooth’s outer layer. They will use a special tool to file down its various surfaces to make it smaller and smoother. This will eliminate damaged or decayed tissue while also ensuring the good fit of the crown. A crown that fits poorly can cause a misaligned bite that can result in damage to your teeth or pain and stress in the joints of your jaw.
Placing the Crown
Your dentist will use a special device to take digital scans of your mouth to make measurements of the tooth being treated. Another machine will use this data to mill a block of ceramic down to a crown customized to fit your tooth perfectly. Your dentist will then cement the new crown to your tooth. The local anesthesia will keep the whole experience painless and comfortable. The whole appointment can take anywhere from two to four hours, so you might want to bring a book for while your crown is being milled.
It’s always a good idea to discuss your upcoming dental procedure with your dentist beforehand so that you know what to expect. With proper care, your dental crown can serve you as part of a beautiful and functional smile for fifteen years or more.
About the Author
Healthy Smiles Dental is dedicated to delivering the high-quality dental care that patients in Chelsea, MI deserve. Led by Drs. Steven Rodriguez, Swapna Kakarla, Alison Tseng, and Hana Gadalla, the staff compassionately provides treatment for everything from routine preventive care to orthodontics and tooth replacement. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crown treatments. For more information on same-day dental crowns, contact the office online or dial (734) 475-8911.