Dental Crowns: Procedure, Types, and Care

If you have a weak or impaired tooth, your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown. A dental crown is a simple dental solution that has been used for many years to restore the appearance and functionality of an impaired tooth. The good thing about dental crowns is that they offer a lasting solution for various dental issues. These include:

• Covering a tooth weakened by a severe cavity.
• Replacing a large filling.
• Aligning a bite.
• Protecting a damaged or cracked tooth.
• Guarding a tooth after a root canal treatment.
• Covering an implant.
• Supporting a dental bridge.
• Covering a discolored tooth.
• Leveling the shape and size of a damaged tooth.

If you have a damaged tooth, cracked tooth, or decayed tooth, visit a dentist near you for restorative treatment. Your dentist will review your oral health and determine if a dental crown is the best treatment option for you.

What Is a Dental Crown Procedure Like? 

In most cases, a dental crown procedure requires you to make a couple of visits to your dentist—though it’s not always the case. Here is a typical procedure for getting a crown:

• The dentist will examine your dental condition and take X-rays if necessary. You’ll be required to return to the dentist on another day for the procedure.
• On the day of the procedure, the dentist will begin by preparing your tooth for a tooth crown. This involves cleaning and removing any decay or damaged tissue from the tooth. The dentist may also need to reshape and remove the outer layer of the damaged tooth.
• The dentist then makes a mold or impression that meets the desired shape and size of the tooth.
• The tooth’s mold or impression is then sent to the lab and used to make a permanent crown.
• The dentist puts a temporary crown on top of the damaged tooth to cover and protect it until the permanent crown is ready.
• You will be sent home and called in when the permanent crown is ready. The dentist will help you to choose the right material for your dental crown. The temporary crown is usually not strong, so you should be careful and avoid eating sticky or hard food.
• During the second visit (typically after one or two weeks), the dentist will remove the temporary crown and substitute it with the permanent crown. The permanent crown is cemented onto your tooth.

Not all procedures require multiple visits to the dentist. Thanks to advanced dental technology, a same-day procedure for dental crowns is available. Here’s how same-day procedures generally go:

• The dentist will examine your dental condition. They will then take digital images of the affected tooth and the surrounding teeth.
• Using the images, the dentist will create a permanent crown right there in the office.
• Once the crown is complete, the dentist will put the crown into place.

While both procedures are effective, same-day crowns are usually not as strong as the traditional, multi-visit crowns. Since not all dentists have the same-day crown technology, ask your dentist in advance if that option is available.

After the procedure, the dentist will provide aftercare instructions that you must follow to ensure a faster recovery. These include:

• Engaging in regular brushing and flossing.
• Avoiding eating sticky and hard foods immediately after the procedure.
• Not consuming very hot or cold foods, which can trigger sensitivity.
• Abstaining from smoking, as it can stain the crown.

Types of Dental Crown Materials 

Once you decide to invest in dental crowns, your doctor will guide you through a list of available crown materials. Most common materials include:

• Porcelain
• Ceramic
• Zirconia
• Metal
• Gold
• Combination of materials

When selecting the materials for the crown, the dentist will consider important factors such as:

• The location of the tooth.
• The position of your gum tissue.
• The color of the surrounding teeth.
• The function of the damaged tooth.
• Possible allergic reaction to certain materials.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have any questions regarding dental crowns, please contact Raynham Dental Group – Office of Dr. Michael Scanlon to set up a consultation. We can walk you through the process of getting dental crowns in Raynham and help you determine whether it’s a good choice for you.