Regardless of whether you’re royalty or a tooth, crowns make a significant difference when it comes to the health of your smile. A dental crown serves as a tooth-shaped restoration designed to cover a misshapen or extensively damaged tooth. Crafted from materials such as porcelain, metal, or ceramics, it typically involves a two-day process with appointments spaced about two weeks apart, each lasting a couple of hours. If you have an upcoming appointment for a dental crown, here’s what you can anticipate during the process.
Tooth Preparation
The initial stage involves a comprehensive dental examination. The dental healthcare provider will assess both the tooth slated for the crown and the surrounding area. This evaluation may entail X-rays to provide the dentist with a detailed view of the tooth’s root and the adjacent bone structure.
Following this, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic into the gum tissue. Some practitioners also offer conscious sedation, which keeps the patient awake but in a relaxed and drowsy state during the procedure.
The subsequent step entails preparing the tooth. With anesthesia ensuring a pain-free experience, the dentist will initiate the procedure by removing any decayed or damaged portions from the tooth. This might result in cavities or voids within the tooth that could potentially harbor harmful bacteria.
To prevent infection, these voids will be filled with gutta-percha, a completely safe dental material. Lastly, the tooth will be carefully smoothed to get rid of any sharp edges.
The Crown Goes On
At this stage, the patient is fitted with a temporary crown to safeguard the tooth while the permanent one is being crafted. The permanent crown is typically ready in approximately two weeks.
During the subsequent appointment, it is securely affixed using a specialized cement chosen based on the crown’s material and intended placement. The dentist evenly applies this cement to the interior of the crown, ensuring a precise fit, and any excess is carefully removed.
Following the procedure, some discomfort can be expected, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If this discomfort persists for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to inform your dentist. Patients receiving dental crowns are advised to avoid consuming hard or sticky foods that could potentially harm the tooth or dislodge the newly placed restoration.
Dental procedures can be anxiety-inducing for many individuals. Having a clear understanding of what to expect during the dental crown process can help you relax during your appointment and reduce stress-related complications for a successful procedure!
About the Practice
Clarendon Hills Dental is dedicated to delivering exceptional oral healthcare services to the Clarendon Hills community. Under the leadership of Dr. Jason Hong, their team consistently raises the bar in terms of patient comfort, compassion, and commitment. Their comprehensive offerings encompass preventive, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry, including dental crown procedures to restore smiles. Should you be interested in learning more about the dental crown process or want to schedule an appointment with the Clarendon Hills Dental team, reach out to their office at (630) 789-1555 or visit their website.