What to Expect When Getting A Dental Crown

April 16, 2022

A dental crown is a dental restoration that covers a tooth to restore it to its normal shape, size, and function. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens your oral health. They are also used to support large fillings, attach bridges, and cover implants.

However, many people get scared of getting a crown because they think the procedure will be painful. The truth is, getting a dental crown is usually no more painful than having a filling placed. Also, dental crown procedures might come off as expensive. But you can use your insurance plans for medicare or dental to help you with the costs.

Need more convincing? Here's what you can expect when getting a dental crown.

Numbing of the Tooth and Surrounding Tissues

Dental crown procedures involve using a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. This numbing effect is due to injecting a small amount of anesthetic into the tissue around the tooth.

The local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding tissues so that the dentist can work on the tooth without causing pain to the patient because the dental instruments can come very close to the tooth and the gingival tissue. The anesthetic usually lasts for a few hours after the procedure is complete.

Preliminary Shade and Impressions of your Tooth

Once the tooth and the surrounding tissues get numbed, the dentist will take impressions of both your upper and lower teeth. These molds will later be used to create your dental crown. Polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) is a soft, rubbery material that easily captures all the nooks and crannies of your teeth. It's used to make dental impressions for the upper and lower teeth.

After the PVS sets, it will be removed from your mouth. Then, it's poured into the plaster to create a model of your teeth. The model is then sent to the laboratory, where your crown will be made.

Additionally, the dentist will use a teeth shade guide to choose the color of your new crown. It's crucial to pick a color that closely resembles your natural teeth. But if you want a gold crown, there's no need to worry — the dentist can make that happen, too.

Preparing the Tooth

Dental crowns mimic the entire natural tooth structure above the gum line and have a hollow space inside them so they can fit over an existing tooth. And for your new dental crown to fit correctly, the existing tooth must be reduced so that the crown can fit over it snugly.

After the tooth and the surrounding tissues get numb, the dentist will place a rubber dam over the tooth to trap water, saliva, and debris and keep the tooth clean and dry during the procedure.

The dentist will then use a drill to remove any decay and shape the tooth so that the crown can fit over it. This step is very crucial and takes plenty of time to complete.

Taking the Final, Accurate Impression

After preparing your tooth, the dentist will now take accurate impressions of your dental crown. Next, it will be sent to the dental laboratory. The entire process usually takes about two weeks. In the meantime, you will have a temporary crown placed on your tooth.

This temporary crown will protect your teeth until your permanent crown is ready. And the dentist will check the fit and color of your new crown. Once you are satisfied, the tooth will be cleaned and polished.

Note that even minor flaws can significantly impact how your final product looks. Hence, it's essential to be as meticulous as possible when making the impression.

Cementing the Permanent Crown

It takes about ten business days for the dental laboratory to make your permanent dental crown. Your dentist will ensure that you have your appointment scheduled before leaving the office after your tooth preparation.

You will be scheduled for a brief appointment to have your new dental crown placed. When your dentist is happy with the fit of the dental crown, the final cementation starts.

The tooth gets numbed, and the old temporary filling gets removed. Next, the new dental crown is checked for fit, color, and bite before being cemented with permanent dental cement. To remove excess cement, the dentist will use dental floss.

Your dentist will give you instructions about caring for your dental crown at your appointment. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help to make your new dental crown last for many years.

Final Thoughts

Your new dental crown should withstand grinding, chewing, and biting forces. But it's essential to understand that dental crowns aren't indestructible. Thus, it's crucial to follow the proper care instructions for your new crown to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

Avoid chewing hard foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your new dental crown lasts for years to come.
 

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