What To Expect When Getting A Dental Crown

22 February 2022
Categories: Dentist, Blog

Have you been told that you need to put a crown on one of your teeth, but feel nervous because you do not know what to expect? Here is what will happen when you go to the dentist for this procedure.

Numbing The Area

The dentist will start by numbing the area of your mouth that they will be working on. This is to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. This is done by injecting lidocaine into the soft gum tissue above the tooth that will receive the crown.

Preparing The Tooth

A lot of the existing tooth's structure will need to be removed to prepare it for a dental crown. This is because a dental crown needs to maintain the exact shape of your existing tooth, so the structure must be removed so that the crown can fit on top of it. In addition, preparing the tooth also creates a smooth surface for the crown to bond to, which helps it stay in place.

Taking An Impression

The dentist will take an impression of your mouth so that they know the exact shape of the prepped tooth and the size and position of the teeth that surround it. This impression is then given to a lab, which will create the dental crown that will be placed on the tooth. Taking an impression is the best way to make sure that the crown will fit perfectly on the tooth.

Placing A Temporary Crown

Your prepared tooth is not going to remain in that prepared state while the crown is being made. The dentist will actually put a temporary crown on the tooth. The temporary crown is not going to look perfect, but it can get the job done until the final crown is prepared. It is also not designed for long-term use, and will only last for a few weeks.

Installing The Final Crown

You'll return back to the dentist for a second visit to finish the dental crown procedure. The temporary crown will be removed, and then the new crown will be placed on the new tooth in the same visit. The dentist will ensure that the crown is lining up with your existing bite so that it is as comfortable as possible for you.

It is normal for the crown to feel odd the first few days after having it placed in your mouth as you adjust to having it. If it continues to feel weird, consider reaching out to your dentist to have the crown adjusted slightly. Now that you know what to expect during this procedure, contact a dentist for your dental crown needs.

About Me

When I was a child and teenager, I always left the dentist's office with the great feeling of having no cavities. When I went away to college out-of-state, I had to switch to a new dentist in my area. It seemed like I was suddenly getting cavities and started wonder what my new dentist "was doing wrong". When I spoke to my mother about it, she reminded me that the reason I never had cavities when I was living it home was because she always made sure my siblings and I brushed and flossed daily and didn't eat too much sugar. I then realized that my late-night study sessions drinking sugary soda and my suddenly bad brushing habits were the true causes of my cavities. I have since learned a lot more about dental health I am eager to share with anyone who needs the advice!