91% of adults ages 20-64 have decayed areas of their teeth. 27% have permanent damage in their mouths.
Dental crowns are one of the best solutions. They protect cracked or missing teeth and improve oral health. They may also be necessary after other procedures such as root canals.
Read on to learn about the process of getting dental crowns, step-by-step.
In this article
Step 1: Exam
See the top dentists in your area before you begin any dental procedures, including getting a crown. They’ll make sure it’s the best option to restore your smile.
They’ll treat any existing dental issues first. For instance, they may need to take care of decay around the affected tooth.
Step 2: X-Rays and Impressions
The dentist takes impressions of the affected tooth using a physical mold. They’ll need one from your upper and lower dental arches.
They may also use digital imaging and take an X-ray. It checks for infection at the tip of a tooth’s root. Many insurance companies require it to cover the dental crown procedure.
These impressions and X-rays are sent to a lab. They help them shape the permanent dental crown so it fits your mouth.
Step 3: Preparing the Tooth
The dental crown procedure begins by preparing the surface of the tooth. This means removing a small amount of enamel. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to keep you from feeling anything during this step.
You’ll also receive a temporary crown. It’ll help prevent infection and provide a more natural appearance. Once it’s placed, you may have to get a final impression.
Step 4: Constructing the Crown
A specialized lab gets your impressions and x-rays. They’ll use it to make sure the crown looks natural, doesn’t disrupt your bite, and fits your mouth.
Milling takes 15-16 minutes. If any corrections are needed, it needs to be re-milled and sealed. It then gets put in an oven to glaze for 12 minutes. Once it’s cooled, it gets edged and prepared with bonding cement.
The next step is curing with ultraviolet light. Any excess cement gets wiped away.
It takes two to three weeks to create a personalized, permanent crown. Most dentists will have you wear a temporary crown until then. Call them immediately if it comes out.
Step 5: Placing the Crown
Your dentist will check that the permanent crown fits well. They’ll make any necessary changes and give the tooth a thorough cleaning.
The temporary crown will come off easily. It gets replaced by a permanent one secured by dental cement. It then gets a final polish.
A dental crown can last 3-15 years with proper care. Follow your dentist’s instructions. Take care of it like a normal tooth, brushing and flossing it every day.
Dental Crowns and Other Oral Health Procedures
Dental crowns are one of the best and most common ways to cover damaged or lost teeth. Placing one starts with an exam to make sure they’re the best option for you.
Preparing your teeth means removing a bit of enamel. Taking X-rays and impressions helps the lab create a permanent crown. It’s placed in a single visit and can last for years with proper care.
Read the rest of our content for more information about procedures that can improve your dental health.
