What Steps Are Involved in Preparing A Tooth for A Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth “cap” placed over a tooth to restore the tooth’s shape and size, strength, and appearance. When cemented into place, crowns completely encase the entire visible portion of your tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

You may need to get dental crowns near you because of the following reasons:

• To keep a weak tooth (due to decay, for example) from breaking or to hold parts of a cracked tooth together
• To repair an already broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth
• When there isn’t much tooth left, a large filling covers and supports a tooth. A dental bridge is held in place with a large filling.
• To conceal crooked or severely discoloured teeth; to conceal a dental implant
• to make a cosmetic change

Steps Involved In a Dental Crown Procedure

The following are the steps involved in preparing a tooth for a crown:

1. Dental exam and diagnosis: Your dentist at Milestone Family Dentistry will examine your mouth thoroughly, including X-rays and a clinical evaluation, to determine if a crown is the best treatment option for your specific needs.
2. Numbing the tooth: To ensure that the preparation procedure is painless, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area.
3. Removal of decay: If the tooth has decay, your dentist will remove it to create a solid foundation for the crown.
4. Tooth reshaping: To accommodate the thickness of the crown, your dentist will reshape the tooth by removing a portion of the outer surface. This could include the removal of old fillings, enamel, or other tooth structure.
5. Impression taking: A special material will create an impression or mold of the prepared tooth. This impression will be used to create a replica of the tooth.
6. Temporary crown placement: A temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Acrylic or another temporary material is typically used to make the temporary crown.
7. Crown fabrication: The impression will be sent to a dental laboratory to be turned into a permanent crown. This procedure typically takes 2-3 weeks.
8. Final placement: When the permanent crown is ready, you will come for your appointment and the dentist will remove the temporary one and replace it on the prepared tooth. They will examine the crown’s fit, bite, and appearance and make any necessary adjustments. The crown will then be firmly secured in place.

To ensure the longevity of your crown, it’s critical to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, which include avoiding hard and sticky foods, proper oral health care, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.

How to Maintain Your Dental Crowns?

Follow these steps to care for your dental crowns:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove food debris and plaque around the crowns.
• Avoid biting or chewing on hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, candy, and sticky foods that can pull the crowns loose or damage them.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth during the night. This will protect your crowns and other dental restorations.
• Visit your dentist in Daphne, AL, regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for the health of your crowns and your overall oral health.
• Your dentist can check for problems and clean around the crowns to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
• Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco because the chemicals in these products can discolor your crowns and cause other damage.
• Limit your intake of acidic and sugary foods and drinks: Sugary and acidic foods and beverages can increase your risk of decay and crown damage. Limit your intake of these foods and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
• If you have any dental problems, such as pain or sensitivity, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent more severe issues and extend the life of your crowns. Your dentist can also guide you on whether you need to replace your crowns. Following these guidelines, you can keep your dental crowns in good condition and maintain optimal oral health.