A dental crown is one of the most effective and long-lasting ways to restore a damaged or weakened tooth. But before your shiny new “tooth cap” goes on, there’s some important prep work being done behind the scenes. If you’ve ever wondered how dentists get your tooth ready for its crown, continue reading. You’ll see the steps involved with your restoration—no royal titles necessary.
Step 1: Exam and Imaging
Before anything happens, your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to figure out the extent of the damage or decay. If your tooth needs a root canal or a buildup before the crown, your dentist will make sure that’s done first, adding it to your treatment plan. Crowns work best when the tooth underneath is stable and healthy.
Step 2: Numbing the Area
Once everything checks out, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. This ensures that the preparation process is comfortable for you. You may still feel a little bit of pressure against your tooth, but you shouldn’t feel any pain. Some practices also have sedation options like nitrous oxide available if your smile is especially sensitive.
Step 3: Shaping the Tooth
To make room for your new restoration, your dentist will gently reshape the tooth by removing the decay or damaged areas. Then, they’ll take a small amount of extra enamel off to form a “post.” This step ensures the crown fits snugly and doesn’t stick out once it’s placed. If too much tooth structure is missing, a filling material can be used to build the tooth up and make it stronger.
Step 4: Impressioning and Temporary Crown
Once the tooth is the right shape, your dentist will take an impression of the area. This is sent to a dental lab where it’s used to create a custom crown that fits your bite perfectly.
While your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth. It’s not as strong as the final version, so your dentist may give you a few eating and cleaning instructions, but it’ll keep the area safe for a couple of weeks.
Step 5: The Final Fitting
Finally, at your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one. After making sure the fit, color, and bite are perfect, the crown is cemented into place. And voilà! Your tooth is now protected, functional, and ready for its royal duties.
Dental crowns may seem like a small fix, but they can make a big difference in protecting your teeth and improving your smile. Knowing what goes into the process can ease any worries and help you feel confident during your appointment. If you have a tooth that might need a crown, don’t wait! Call your dentist today and take the first step to better oral health.
About the Practice
At My Frederick Dentist, Dr. Andrew Aziz and Dr. Sunghyeok Hong take pride in providing precise, patient-focused care when it comes to dental crowns and other restorations. We carefully prepare each tooth to ensure a strong, natural-looking fit that will stand the test of time. Call (301) 698-9552 to schedule an appointment with us or visit our website to see a full menu of services.