Dental crowns are like helmets for troubled teeth. They are cemented on top of them for protection and to restore them to their original size, appearance, and function after injury, severe decay, or a dental treatment such as a root canal, and they can usually be placed in as few as two appointments. If you’ve never had a dental crown before, you may be wondering what you can expect during the procedure. Here’s an outline of the dental crown process from start to finish to help you be ready for the big day.
Your First Appointment: Preparing the Tooth
Your first appointment will begin with your dentist thoroughly examining your mouth to assess its health. This may involve taking X-rays to gain data on the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure. Once your dentist has determined that a dental crown is the best course of treatment, they will administer a local anesthetic to render the whole process painless. Your dentist may also offer sedation options if you need a little more help feeling comfortable.
Once your tooth has been numbed, your dentist will prepare it to receive a crown. This involves removing any decayed structure, making the tooth smaller and smoother. After it has been reshaped, your dentist will take bite impressions and cement a temporary crown in place so you can get used to wearing it. You will then be sent on your way and the impressions will be sent to a lab so your permanent crown can be manufactured.
Your Second Appointment: Placing the Permanent Crown
Your dentist will receive your permanent dental crown in about two weeks. You will then come in for your second appointment, during which your tooth will be numbed again and the temporary crown will be removed. Your dentist will then cement the permanent one in place and make any final adjustments. You will then be ready to meet the world with a beautifully restored tooth.
Dental crowns can allow a troubled tooth to look great and function normally. They are nothing to be worried about, and your dentist will only recommend one if it is the best course of treatment.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia provides the community of Columbia, TN with the best oral health services in town. With Drs. Matthew Hart, Kyle Williams, and Philip Matthews at the helm, the staff makes every effort to help each patient achieve a beautiful smile. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. If you think that you may need a dental crown, contact the office online or dial (931) 388-8452.