If you have a tooth that has been damaged by excessive decay or other trauma, one option you have to strengthen it is a dental crown. The dental crown process itself usually takes two visits to complete. When the crown is in place, not only will it make a tooth more usable, it can also help improve the overall appearance of your mouth.
At the first visit in preparation for a crown, your dentist will usually take a few x-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If it has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, he may elect to do a root canal first to fill the pulp chamber.
Before the process of making a crown begins, he will numb the tooth and the gum tissue around it. Then he will file it along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth material removed depends on the type of crown that will be put into place. If the crown is made of metal, less tooth will be removed than if the crown is made of porcelain.
After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will use impression paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth. He will also make impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth that will receive the dental crown to ensure the crown will not affect your bite. These impressions then go to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured.
Permanent crowns take approximately two to three weeks to complete. In the meantime, the dentist will make a temporary crown from acrylic material to cover and protect the prepared tooth. At your next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent one. If everything is acceptable, he or she will numb the prepared tooth and cement the permanent crown into place. With proper care, crowns can last 20 years or more.
Olympia Hills Family Dental can determine whether or not the dental crown procedure is right for you. Our experienced, fully-licensed dentists will carefully evaluate your particular needs and offer you the best, most cost-effective treatment to help restore your smile. For top-notch dental care, make an appointment with us today!