Dental crowns remain one of the most popular and widely used restorative solutions for repairing damaged and severely decayed teeth. Offering greater protection against future harm and reinfection, these custom creations continue to improve smiles so patients can once again enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling confidently around others. But what does it take to receive a dental crown? Keep reading to learn what you can expect during treatment.
The First Appointment
Most dental crown placements require at least two visits to your dentist’s office. During this appointment, your experienced team will take digital images of your smile and examine the affected tooth. Based on the severity of the issue, your dentist will decide if a dental crown is necessary.
If so, they will begin by removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth, then reshaping it to ensure the final crown fits perfectly. This requires numbing your mouth with local anesthesia before using specialized instruments to alter the size and shape of the tooth, while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible.
Dental impressions are then taken so that lab technicians can have an accurate image to use when creating your new crown.
Before you leave, your dentist will place a temporary restoration on your vulnerable tooth, keeping it protected while you wait for your final crown.
The Second Appointment
After several weeks, your dentist will have you come in for a second appointment. This will involve removing your temporary crown so that the new one can be bonded in place. Before attaching your final crown, your dental team will clean your natural tooth. Once everything is cemented, your dentist will check your bite to ensure it is even and comfortable.
You do not need to worry about discomfort during this process; however, you may experience slight sensitivity after receiving your crown. You can manage this discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever until it dissipates on its own.
There is no need to be nervous about the tooth preparation process for a dental crown. Your dentist cares about your comfort, which is why you can expect a safe, stress-free, and smile-friendly experience from beginning to end.
About the Dentist
Need a dental crown to protect a vulnerable tooth? Dr. Rebecca Long at Westlake Hills Dental Arts is here to deliver beautiful, durable, long-lasting restorations that look natural and are comfortable to wear. Using modern technology and lifelike ceramics to create beautiful dental crowns, she is here to ensure not only that your smile is properly restored but that you are also pleased with the results. Visit our website or call us at (512) 328-0155 if you need a dental crown to repair your damaged smile.