How Does The Dental Crown Placement Process Work?
At some point, you might need to get a dental crown on your tooth. If you break a tooth or need a root canal to repair a decayed tooth, a dental crown can strengthen what is left of the natural tooth. A crown is a cap that sits on top of the rest of the tooth to help you continue to use the tooth like normal. Dental crowns also help restore the appearance of the tooth, which is especially beneficial if the tooth is near the front of the mouth. Before you get a dental crown, you should know what to expect:
What Should You Expect at Your First Appointment?
A dental crown placement typically takes at least two appointments. At the first appointment, the dentist will get an impression of the tooth that needs a crown. The impression is sent to a lab where the crown is designed. The crown will be designed to look like your other teeth, so it does not stand out. During your appointment, the dentist will also take x-rays of the tooth to look for any damage or issues in the gum and jawbone.
In some cases, the dentist may need to reshape one or more teeth around the tooth that will receive the crown. The damaged tooth also may need some cavity filling to help build up the existing tooth for the crown to sit on. You will receive an anesthetic during this portion, so you do not feel any discomfort. Before you leave the first appointment, the dentist will make a temporary crown for you to wear while your new crown is being created. This process can take a few weeks.
What Should You Expect at Your Second Appointment?
Once your new dental crown is ready, the dentist will contact you. During the second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. The area may need some cleaning and additional shaping to help the crown fit snugly onto the tooth. Once the area is ready, the dentist will place the dental crown with a special adhesive that needs to fully cure. After the curing process, the dentist will check the placement of the crown to make sure it is fitting properly in your mouth. If necessary, the dentist can do some reshaping of the crown if it does not fit properly or if it is not in perfect alignment with your other teeth.
For more information on dental crowns, contact a professional near you.
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