What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure?

A dental crown is a permanent prosthetic that replaces a tooth's entire visible top portion above the gum line. This restoration is used when a patient has a tooth with a large cavity, has broken or worn-down teeth due to grinding habits, have misshapen teeth, or has suffered trauma to the mouth. At Riverside Tooth CO., The crown fits over the patient’s existing tooth and is cemented into place for a secure fit. By covering the original tooth, a crown can improve the overall appearance of a smile by correcting the shape, size, color, and even alignment of a tooth. Additionally, because the crown is made to fit over the natural tooth, it protects the underlying tooth from further damage and infection. 

In some cases, patients also choose to receive crowns as preventive care. For example, if the structure of a tooth has been weakened, the tooth may be more likely to crack or break in the future. To prevent this, a dentist may recommend placing a dental crown to strengthen and improve the tooth's structure.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

• Prevent further fracturing of teeth 
• Restore broken or cracked teeth 
• Improve the appearance of misshapen teeth 
• Protect weak or damaged teeth due to decay or large fillings 
• Replace large silver amalgam fillings for a more natural-looking appearance 
• Support a bridge to replace missing teeth 

The Dental Crown Procedure

Before the crown preparation begins, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The dentist will reshape the tooth receiving the crown to create space for the crown to fit properly. They will remove decayed or damaged areas and shape the tooth by reducing size. In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged, a build-up or core material may be added to provide a stable foundation for the crown. After tooth preparation, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth. This is done using dental putty or digital scanning technology. The impression captures the exact shape and size of the prepared tooth and serves as a guide for creating the custom crown.

While the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary one will be placed over the prepared tooth. The dental laboratory will use the impression taken by your dentist to fabricate a custom dental crown. The crown is typically made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials. The choice of material depends on factors such as durability, aesthetics, and the tooth's location in the mouth. Once the final crown is ready, you will return to the dentist's office for the crown placement appointment. The temporary crown will be removed, and the dentist will check the fit, color, and appearance of the permanent crown.

Dental crowns are designed to restore a damaged tooth's function, strength, and aesthetics. To learn more about dental crowns, visit Riverside Tooth CO. at 6886 Indiana Ave Suite B, Riverside, CA 92506, or call (951) 686-2565.