Dental crowns refer to a dental restorative treatment that helps repair worn out teeth. During the process, the tooth is encased in its entirety to bring back its appearance. On the other hand, the crowns can also be used to hold a bridge or dental implants in place.
Children prone to developing decay can also make use of dental crowns. Dentists recommend stainless steel crowns for the primary teeth to prevent decay.
At Dentakay, it takes at least two visits in order to prepare a tooth to install a dental crown. Speaking of the first visit, the purpose is to examine the tooth condition and prepare it for crown placement. In addition, impressions are created so as to construct a permanent, custom crown while a temporary one is placed. Later during the second visit, which happens only when the lab has made the permanent crown, the temporary one is removed. Finally, the permanent one is fixed and you are good to go.
Let’s delve into the details of the entire procedure:
First Visit:
When you make the first visit, your mouth is thoroughly examined to see if any additional dental treatment is required prior to dental crown placement. To put things in perspective, an X-ray is carried out to see if there is any decay or any other factor indicating chances of having an infection within the tooth’s pulp. It is very much possible that a patient might require a root canal treatment before getting dental crowns placed.
Once done, the dentist will then proceed to start shaping up your tooth to make room for the dental crown placement. The level of reshaping largely depends on the type of material used to make the crown. For example, crowns with a metal base are thinner and hence, less of the tooth’s structure is removed. The tooth is filed down from the top and the sides to help the crown fit.
Next, an impression of the tooth is taken after it has been shaped. This is to ensure that the dental crown is made to perfection for it to fit well to the tooth. While all of this is getting done, make sure to record all the details about the tooth that can end up affecting the crown’s production process. This includes the fit as well as the color. It is important for the crown’s color to match with that of the tooth’s for an authentic look.
Speaking of impressions, they are taken using a putty that holds the tooth’s shape. It is generously spread on to the area and then pulled away once the shape has formed.
Finally, a temporary crown is fixed while preparations are made to construct the permanent one.
Second visit:
The dental technician then takes the impressions in order to construct the crown. It takes about three weeks. Once created, it is all set to be placed. To do so, the temporary crown must be removed. It is pertinent to mention that it should be checked before the placement that the shape and color is accurate so as to get the most natural look possible.
Local anesthesia is usually given to numb the designated area for installing the dental crown. The crown is fixed using dental cement. Once cemented, it might still require making small adjustments. This is because the patient might encounter problems with biting as and when the crown gets in touch with the opposite tooth.
Same-day dental crown installation
It is also possible to get your crown placement in a single appointment. This is done using methods that involve CAD/CAM. Instead of going for the impressions, a wand takes the pictures, out of which a computer software designs a 3D model. This digital model is then conveniently used to make a ceramic crown the very same day. The entire process takes upto 15-20 minutes.
The aftercare:
Practice brushing in addition to flossing at least twice a day. Use a toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth if the teeth around the crown happen to be sensitive to cold or hot. Avoid indulging in hard food or consuming excessive amounts of tea and coffee to prevent staining.
