You may get a dental crown after a root canal or when preparing a tooth to accept a bridge. A crown can help save a tooth that is decayed or damaged instead of having it extracted. They are used to restore teeth that are discoloured or misshapen. Crowns have a long list of useful purposes and these are just a few. But what should you expect during a dental crown procedure?
How to Prepare
Your dentist may have specific instructions for you to follow before you come in for either your first or second appointment. You should also come prepared with any questions you have about the reason for the crown, the type of crown you will get, the dental crown procedure itself, and what to expect afterward. You can write your questions down so you don’t forget them.
First Appointment
During the first appointment in the dental crown procedure process, your dentist will evaluate your tooth and the reason for the crown. If there are several options, they may discuss these with you to find out what you prefer, offering the pros and cons of each. With a local anesthetic, they will then prepare the tooth for a crown by filing it into the proper shape. After taking impressions of the filed tooth and surrounding teeth, a temporary crown will be put in place until you come back in a few weeks for the second appointment.
Second Appointment
The impressions your dentist took of your teeth were sent to a dental laboratory to create the permanent crown and this process typically takes two to three weeks. At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be replaced with the permanent one. Before being cemented in place, your dentist will check to make sure the crown matches the right color, shape, and fit.
Recovery & Aftercare
You may have some mild discomfort after each appointment due to the local anesthetic and irritation of your gums in the area of the tooth receiving the crown. This usually wears off quickly. Caring for a crown is the same as caring for the rest of your teeth and you want to follow your dentist’s recommendations for proper oral hygiene.
If you think you may need a dental crown procedure, call Dynamic Dental Solutions at (281) 837-9090 to schedule an appointment. We can evaluate your dental health and make a personalized plan to improve your smile and oral health.