Getting a dental crown is a seamless procedure that is done in dental offices every day. There are various reasons to get a dental crown, which will play a role in how the process goes. For example, for those getting a crown to finish the tooth replacement process after an implant has been inserted, the process might take a few months. On the flip side, those having a dental crown placed to treat a cavity should expect the whole process to take a couple of hours, but we can complete crowns in one day in our office.
In general, there are a few key steps to getting a dental crown placed. Crowns are a great option to consider because they are one of the most versatile ways to treat dental problems. Keep reading to learn more about what is involved.
Outlined here are each of the steps to getting a dental crown placed. This information may be helpful to those who are preparing for an upcoming appointment.
To start, the general dentist will prepare the oral cavity. Numbing agents will be administered into the cheek and gums surrounding the tooth requiring the dental crown. Usually, it takes 15-20 minutes maximum for a numbing agent to kick in. Additionally, some patients want to utilize a sedative, which may be light or moderate, depending on the purpose of the crown, the age of the patient, and the level of anxiety. Sedatives include laughing gas, otherwise known as nitrous oxide, as well as oral sedatives, which can be even more relaxing. These tools help to eliminate and manage dental anxiety or fear.
Next, a guard will be placed in the oral cavity to keep the patient from closing their jaw. Cotton pads may also be placed to keep extra saliva from getting in the way.
If a cavity is present, the damaged parts of the tooth will be carefully and gently removed using a dental drill. If the tooth is not decayed but simply damaged from a crack or chip, drilling will not likely be necessary. Instead, the tooth will simply be smoothed out to avoid rough surfaces. In the case of covering a severe stain or spot on the tooth, the dentist might etch the edges to ensure a good fit.
If the tooth has been drilled, the dentist will also clean out the inner cavity. This is important in order to remove any bacteria or residue that could cause discomfort or infection later.
Next, a dental material called gutta-percha is used to fill the tooth if there is an open space. Filling the space is important because it keeps the insides of the tooth safe and secure before the dental crown is placed.
After preparing, we take digital scans of the tooth and manufacture the crown mostly in-office by our state-of-the-art in-house laboratory. Once we take the scan, we send the digital impression to our laboratory and, in most cases, have the new crown ready that day or the next, depending on the time of day. We only create metal-free porcelain crowns - never gold or silver fused to porcelain - which are the longest-lasting crowns.
In most cases, we deliver the crown within an hour or two. The crown will be cemented into place; we'll ask the patient to bite down on a hard piece of cotton to ensure it stays in place, which will make for a complete dental restoration. If there are abnormalities with the fit, the dentist will make the appropriate adjustments.
The patient will return home and be advised not to eat anything sticky or hard for a few days. Any discomfort should subside or can be addressed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
When preparing for a dental crown, it can be helpful to talk directly with a general dentist. Contact today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental Bellevue at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Bellevue, WA.
How long dental crowns last depends on how well you take care of them. A crown is expected to last about 15 years, but with the proper care, it could last twice as long. If a crown eventually does wear out, you need to have a replacement because the tooth underneath has been permanently altered.…
Dental crowns are a convenient and highly effective restoration solution when decay compromises natural teeth or a beautiful smile. Although these thin tooth caps are durable and can withstand the same exposure to everyday stresses of chewing and biting as natural teeth, proper care and maintenance can ensure that crowns last as long as possible. A…
Preparing for a dental crown procedure? This restoration works to make unhealthy teeth strong again and improve your overall oral health. There are various reasons one may need to have a dental crown placed, including repairing a cracked or chipped tooth, covering stains and imperfections, or treating a cavity that has caused the tooth to…
When a person is missing one or more teeth but does not need a full set of dentures, dental bridges may be recommended to take the place of the lost teeth. The number of teeth that a dental bridge replaces may depend on several factors.Dental bridges consist of two or more crowns that attach to…
