Dental crowns are a standard restorative treatment to repair and strengthen damaged or decayed teeth. If you’re scheduled for a dental crown procedure, you might wonder what to expect.
From the initial consultation to the final placement of your crown, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect while getting dental crowns for teeth.
Initial Consultation
Your journey towards dental crowns begins with an initial consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options.
They will assess the affected tooth’s condition and determine whether dental crowns in Gainesville are the best solution for your needs.
Treatment Planning
Once dental crowns are deemed the best option, your dentist will begin the treatment planning. This may involve discussing the crown material used, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.
Your dentist will also explain the procedure in detail, including any preparatory steps that may be necessary before the crown can be placed.
Tooth Preparation
Before the dental crown can be placed, the affected tooth must be prepared to accommodate the crown. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and shaping it to ensure a proper fit for the crown.
Sometimes, your dentist may need to build up the tooth structure with filling material to provide additional support for the crown.
Impression Taking
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions create a custom-made crown that fits your mouth perfectly.
Traditional impressions involve using dental putty to capture the shape of your teeth, while digital impressions utilize advanced scanning technology to create highly accurate digital models of your teeth.
Temporary Crown Placement
Sometimes, a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated. This temporary crown protects the tooth and maintains its shape and function until the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or composite materials and are designed to be worn briefly.
Crown Fabrication
With advancements in dental technology, many dental practices now offer same-day crown fabrication using techniques such as CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics).
With CEREC technology, your crown can be designed, milled, and placed in a single dental visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple appointments.
Final Crown Placement
Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dental office for placement. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown (if one was placed) and ensure that the permanent crown fits appropriately. Once the crown is securely in place, your dentist will polish it to achieve a natural-looking finish.
Post-Placement Care
After your crown is placed, your dentist will provide instructions on how to properly care for it. This may include avoiding sticky or hard foods that could damage the crown, practicing good oral hygiene habits, and scheduling regular dental check-ups to monitor your crown’s and surrounding teeth’ health.
Dental crowns can strengthen damaged teeth and make them look good. Whether you need them for health reasons or want a better smile, knowing about the types of dental crowns and the procedure can help you make the right choice.
Getting dental crowns involves several steps, from the initial consultation to the final placement of the crown. If you have any questions or concerns about dental crowns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your dentist.
They can provide personalized care and guidance to ensure a successful outcome and a healthy, beautiful smile.
Your Smile Journey Begins at Georgia Smile Team
Our goal is to make you feel comfortable during your visit. Our dentist in Gainesville offers many services, such as regular check-ups, comsetic dentistry, surgeries, and special treatments. We take time to understand what you need and explain everything clearly.
We believe in doing our best for you. We’re patient and respectful. Your opinion matters to us because we care about you. If you’re considering getting dental crowns, talk to our trusted dentist nearby to find out more and get the smile you want.