Being told you need a dental crown can leave you wondering what the procedure actually involves. How much of the tooth is removed? Will you leave with a finished crown that day? And what will it feel like afterwards? If you are looking for a dental clinic near you, knowing the steps ahead of time can make the process easier to understand and give you a better idea of what to ask during your appointment.
Why Might You Need a Dental Crown?
A crown is a type of restoration that covers the visible part of the affected tooth. Rather than resorting to replacement, this procedure protects and restores the structure of the original tooth.
Your dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth has a large filling, significant decay, a crack, or enough wear that a smaller restoration may not provide adequate support. Crowns are also commonly used after root canal treatment and can form part of a dental implant restoration.
If you are considering porcelain crowns in Coquitlam, your dentist will first need to determine whether a crown is appropriate for the tooth. The amount of healthy structure remaining, your bite, and the condition of the surrounding gums can all affect the treatment plan.
Step 1: Examining the Tooth
Treatment begins with a careful examination. Your dentist may take X-rays to look at the roots, surrounding bone, and areas of the tooth that cannot be evaluated simply by looking inside your mouth.
This step is important because a crown should not be placed over an untreated problem. If there is decay, it needs to be removed. If the pulp inside the tooth is infected or significantly damaged, other treatment may be necessary first.
Your dentist will also assess how your teeth come together. A crown needs to fit comfortably within your bite so that it does not receive unnecessary pressure when you chew.
Step 2: Numbing and Preparing the Tooth
Before the tooth is prepared, local anaesthetic is typically used to numb the area. Your dentist then removes a controlled amount of tooth structure from the outside of the tooth to create room for the crown.
If a large portion of the tooth has already been lost to decay, fracture, or a previous filling, the tooth may first need to be built up. This creates enough structure to support the restoration.
The amount of preparation depends on the tooth and the type of crown being made. The goal is to create the space and shape needed for a crown that fits securely without removing more tooth structure than necessary.
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
This is one of the most common concerns before treatment. Because the area is numbed, you should not normally feel sharp pain while the tooth is being prepared. You may still notice pressure, vibration, or movement during the procedure.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, the tooth or nearby gums may feel sensitive or tender for a short period. Hot and cold foods can sometimes feel different as well.
If discomfort is severe, becomes worse, or continues longer than expected, contact your dental team. Pain should not simply be ignored because you recently had dental work.
Step 3: Creating a Model of Your Tooth
Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist needs an accurate record of its shape and the surrounding teeth. Depending on the practice and treatment being provided, this may be done with a traditional impression or digital scanning technology.
The information is used to create a crown that fits the prepared tooth and works with the teeth around it. Your bite is also recorded so the restoration can be designed to meet the opposing teeth properly.
With porcelain restorations, appearance is another consideration. The colour and shape can be planned so the crown blends with your surrounding natural teeth as closely as possible.
Step 4: Protecting the Tooth While You Wait
When a permanent crown is being made outside the dental office, a temporary crown is usually placed over the prepared tooth. It protects the area and allows you to use the tooth while you wait for the final restoration.
If you are searching for porcelain crowns near you, ask how to care for the temporary restoration. Because it is intended for short-term use, you may be advised to avoid particularly hard or sticky foods until the permanent crown is ready.
Brush the area and follow the flossing instructions carefully. If the temporary crown comes loose or completely falls out, contact your dental team instead of fixing the problem yourself.
How Many Dental Visits Does a Crown Usually Take?
Traditionally, a crown usually needs two visits. During the first, the tooth is prepared, impressions are made, scans can be taken, and a temporary restoration is used. At the second one, the final crown is fitted properly and secured with a hard dental cement.
However, the number of appointments can vary. Some dental practices use technology that allows certain crowns to be designed and produced more quickly, while more complicated cases may require additional visits.
The condition of your tooth can also affect the timeline. If you need treatment before the crown can be made, completing the entire process may take longer.
Step 5: Fitting the Permanent Crown
When your final crown is ready, your dentist checks it before permanently securing it. Fit matters both around the prepared tooth and where the crown meets neighbouring teeth.
You will also be asked to bite down so the way your teeth meet can be checked. If the crown feels high or your bite seems uneven, small adjustments can usually be made.
For a visible tooth, the appearance of the restoration will also be considered. Once the fit and other details are satisfactory, the crown can be cemented into place.
What Should You Expect Afterwards?
Your mouth may need a little time to adjust to the new restoration. A crown should eventually feel like a natural part of your bite rather than something you constantly notice.
Continue brushing twice and cleaning between teeth twice daily. Although the porcelain itself cannot develop a cavity, the natural tooth underneath it can still get affected, usually in the area where the crown and tooth meet.
Avoid using your teeth to open objects or packaging, especially when these are hard. If you grind or clench, divulge these to your dentist because repeated heavy forces eventually break natural teeth and restorations.
Take Care of Your Restored Tooth
Getting a crown is a process designed around protecting a tooth that still has useful natural structure. Understanding each stage can make it easier to prepare for treatment and care for your restoration afterwards.
Contact Lincoln Dental to schedule an appointment with us. We can examine your tooth, explain your treatment options, and walk you through what to expect if a crown is recommended.