Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative treatments used in modern dentistry, relied upon to protect weakened teeth, restore damaged ones, or improve the overall appearance of a smile. If your dentist has recommended a crown for you, you might be wondering what the preparation process involves and what you can expect during that appointment. After all, going into the process informed can help you feel more confident and comfortable when it’s time for your appointment and once the crown has been placed! Here’s what you need to know.
Preparing the Tooth for a Crown
There are a couple of key steps your dentist will have to take as they prepare your tooth for a dental crown. The procedure begins by numbing your mouth to ensure your comfort, and once the area is numb, your dentist can begin working on the tooth without you feeling any pain—though some slight pressure is normal.
If there are any damaged or decayed areas, they’ll need to be carefully removed so that any infection or structural damage doesn’t spread further. The tooth will also be fully cleaned and sanitized. If there are any empty parts within the tooth, they might be filled with a biocompatible material to ensure the tooth has the structural support it needs. Your dentist will then begin reshaping the tooth to make room for the crown. This normally involves smoothing its surface and sometimes removing a small amount of enamel to ensure the crown will fit properly.
In many cases, dental crowns are placed following a root canal, and since the nature of the root canal process already involves many of these same steps, crowns end up being a very well-suited treatment for these situations!
Getting the Crown Ready for Placement
After the tooth is filled, cleaned, and shaped, an impression or digital scan is usually taken to ensure the final restoration is accurate in terms of size and shape. In the meantime, you will receive a temporary crown that fits over the tooth and serves to protect it while the permanent one is being made.
This usually takes a week or two, but some offices offer same-day crowns with the help of sophisticated technology. In either case, once it’s ready, you’ll return to the office for it to be placed. Your dentist will check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and then bond it securely into place—leaving you with a strong, natural-looking new tooth!
The process of preparing a tooth for a crown is normally very straightforward, comfortable, and designed to protect your smile for the long term. If you’ve been told you need one, you can feel confident knowing it is going to greatly benefit your whole smile.
About the Practice
Our team here at Hillcrest Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in Conyers and the surrounding area for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Kimberly Peters. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including solutions like dental crowns using beautiful, durable materials. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (770) 922-1666.