Your teeth can say a lot about your health. However, there's no guaranteed way to fully protect them from damages that may occur.
Fortunately, dentists have managed to find ways to reinforce various dental problems that you may experience at some point, and dental crown procedures are one of the solutions.
There are many reasons why a person might undergo a dental crown procedure, though it can be very confusing to learn how it's typically done.
Here's everything you need to know about dental crowns and what you can expect before and after.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap or a cover that is cemented over an existing tooth that needs to be repaired. It looks and functions the same way that a normal tooth would.
A dental crown procedure is a great solution to several dental concerns that a patient might have with their teeth. People also seek it for cosmetic reasons.
Why do I need it?
If your tooth has a cavity, a crack, or is weakened, then you may be a good candidate for a dental crown procedure. People with a dental bridge can benefit from a dental crown procedure as well; as it helps keep the dental bridge in place.
Additionally, people who want to improve their teeth for cosmetic reasons, such as the desire to have whiter looking teeth due to discoloration, can also ask for a dental crown procedure.
Usually, the procedure is divided into two consultations.
What happens on my first visit?
During your first visit, your dentist will carefully examine the affected tooth. They may also request for an X-Ray to see if there's any damage and if it might affect the surrounding area. If tooth decay is present, your dentist may have to perform a root canal first.
Once your tooth decay is repaired, your dentist will then administer a local anesthetic around the affected area. After that, he or she will file your tooth into a specific shape that is compatible with the crown.
Once it's filed down to the ideal shape, an impression of your tooth and the surrounding area are gathered to serve as a guideline for your dental crown and to ensure that it's compatible with the rest of your teeth.
While waiting for the impression - which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, your dentist may put a temporary crown that's typically made of alloy. This will be replaced with a permanent one on your second visit.
What happens on my second visit?
Your second visit is less complicated than the first one. Your dentist will only have to remove your temporary crown and apply the permanent dental crown over your affected tooth with a strong adhesive.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Once your dental crown procedure is completed, you may still feel numbness from the anesthesia that was administered to you.
By the time the anesthesia wears off, expect sensitivity on your affected tooth and the surrounding area, especially when eating or drinking something that's either too hot or too cold. Don't worry, though, as this won't last for too long and you will get used to having a dental crown over time.
A dental crown procedure is a relatively simple process that is performed by dentists all the time. If you're experiencing any dental issues that you think can be resolved by a dental crown procedure, consult a dentist as soon as possible. They can check if it is a suitable solution or suggest more appropriate approaches to address any oral concerns that you might have.