When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, dental crowns play a significant role in restoring both function and aesthetics. Whether you’re experiencing severe decay, a broken tooth, or need a cosmetic adjustment, understanding the dental crown procedure can ease any anxiety you might have. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a dental crown procedure at PS Dental in Bristol and Glastonbury, CT, and answer the crucial question: how is a dental crown done?

Why should you choose Dental Crown?

Before diving into the procedure itself, it’s essential to understand what dental crowns are and why they’re used. Dental crowns, also known as tooth crowns, are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They’re used to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your teeth when fillings don’t solve the problem. But what are dental crowns exactly, and why might you need one?

Protecting Your Tooth

One of the primary reasons for getting a dental crown is to protect a weakened tooth. Teeth can become damaged due to various factors, including decay, injury, or wear over time. When a tooth is weakened, it becomes susceptible to further issues like fractures or additional decay. A dental crown acts as a protective shield, covering the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. This coverage provides the tooth with the strength it needs to function normally, preventing further damage and potentially saving the tooth from extraction.

Dental crowns are particularly useful in cases where a large filling is needed but there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining to support it. In such scenarios, a crown can provide the necessary support and protection, extending the life of the tooth significantly.

Restoring Functionality

Damaged or decayed teeth can make it difficult to chew or speak properly, impacting your daily life in significant ways. A dental crown restores the tooth’s original shape and functionality, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable. This is particularly important if the affected tooth is one of your molars, which play a key role in chewing and grinding food.

When a tooth is badly damaged or decayed, it may change shape or size, affecting your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth come together). A poorly aligned bite can lead to a host of issues, including jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on your other teeth. By restoring the tooth to its original shape and size, a dental crown helps maintain proper bite alignment, preventing these potential problems.

Cosmetic Enhancement

While the primary purpose of dental crowns is functional, they also offer significant cosmetic benefits. If you have a misshapen or severely discolored tooth, a dental crown can dramatically improve its appearance. Modern dental crowns are designed to look like natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the rest of your smile. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain and ceramic, which can be color-matched to your existing teeth for a natural look.

This cosmetic improvement can have a profound impact on your self-confidence. Many patients report feeling more comfortable smiling, laughing, and speaking in public after getting a dental crown, knowing that their teeth look healthy and uniform.

How is a Dental Crown Done?

Now that we understand what dental crowns are and why they’re used, let’s dive into the details of how a dental crown is done. The dental crown procedure typically involves several steps, from the initial consultation to the final placement of the crown. At PS Dental, we strive to make this process as comfortable and efficient as possible for our patients.

Initial Consultation

Your dental crown procedure begins with an initial consultation. This step is crucial in determining whether a dental crown is the best solution for your specific dental issue. During this visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and oral health. This examination typically includes:

1. Treatment Planning: If a dental crown is deemed necessary, your dentist will create a treatment plan. This plan outlines the steps involved in your specific case, including any preparatory procedures, the type of crown recommended, and the expected timeline for treatment.
2. Visual Inspection: Your dentist will carefully examine the affected tooth and surrounding areas, looking for signs of decay, damage, or other issues that might impact the success of a dental crown.
3. X-rays: Dental X-rays provide a detailed view of the tooth’s internal structure and the surrounding bone. This helps your dentist assess the extent of any decay or damage and determine if additional treatments (such as a root canal) are necessary before placing the crown.
4. Discussion of Options: Based on the examination, your dentist will discuss whether a dental crown is the most appropriate solution. They may also present alternative treatments if applicable, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your dental health.

Tooth Shaping

Once it’s confirmed that you need a crown and you’ve agreed to the treatment plan, the next step in how a dental crown is done is preparing the affected tooth. This process, known as tooth shaping, is crucial for ensuring that the crown fits properly and functions effectively.

1. Anesthesia: Before beginning the tooth shaping process, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. This numbs the tooth and surrounding area, preventing any pain or discomfort.
2. Decay Removal: If there’s any decay present in the tooth, your dentist will remove it using specialized dental tools. This step is essential to prevent the decay from progressing under the crown.
3. Tooth Reshaping: Using precision instruments, your dentist will carefully reshape the tooth. This involves removing a thin layer of the tooth’s outer surface (usually about 1-2 millimeters) to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of crown being placed and the condition of the tooth.
4. Building Up the Tooth: If a large portion of the tooth is missing due to decay or damage, your dentist may need to build it up to support the crown properly. This is typically done using a special filling material. In some cases, small pins may be used to provide additional support for this buildup material.

The goal of this shaping process is to create a strong, stable foundation for your new crown while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Impressions

After shaping the tooth, the next crucial step in how a dental crown is done is taking an impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression serves as a mold for creating your custom-fitted crown. There are two main methods for taking these impressions:

1. Traditional Impressions: In this method, your dentist will use a putty-like material to create a mold of your teeth. The material is placed in a tray which is then inserted into your mouth, covering the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth. Once the material sets (usually within a few minutes), it’s removed, leaving a perfect negative impression of your teeth.
2. Digital Impressions: Many modern dental offices, including PS Dental, use advanced digital scanning technology to create 3D digital impressions of your teeth. This method is quicker, more comfortable for patients, and provides highly accurate results.

These impressions are typically sent to a dental lab where your custom crown will be fabricated. However, at PS Dental, we offer same day crowns, which allow us to create and place your permanent crown in a single visit. This innovative technology uses computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to mill your crown on-site while you wait, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment.

The Temporary Crown

If you’re not receiving a same day crown, your dentist will place a temporary crown over the shaped tooth to protect it while your permanent crown is being made. Here’s what you need to know about temporary crowns:

• Fitting: Your dentist will ensure the temporary crown fits properly and doesn’t interfere with your bite. They may make small adjustments as needed.
• Purpose: Temporary crowns serve several important functions. They protect the prepared tooth from sensitivity and further damage, maintain the space between adjacent teeth to prevent shifting, and allow you to chew and speak normally while waiting for your permanent crown.
• Materials: Temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic or stainless steel. They’re not as durable or aesthetically pleasing as permanent crowns, but they serve their purpose for the short term.

Care Tips

Taking care of your temporary crown is crucial to maintain your oral health and ensure the success of your permanent crown. Here are some important care tips:

• Chewing Habits: Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the temporary crown when possible.
• Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Sticky foods can pull off the temporary crown, while hard foods might crack or chip it. It’s best to avoid these types of foods until your permanent crown is in place.
• Gentle Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly, but be gentle around the temporary crown area. When flossing, slide the floss out rather than lifting it up to avoid dislodging the crown.

Sensitivity

It’s common to experience some sensitivity in the affected tooth while wearing the temporary crown. This sensitivity is usually to temperature (hot or cold) and should be mild. If you experience severe pain or prolonged sensitivity, contact your dentist as this could indicate a problem.

Follow-Up

Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one. This usually happens within a couple of weeks, allowing time for the dental lab to create your custom permanent crown. However, with same day crowns at PS Dental, this step can often be skipped, as we can create and place your permanent crown in a single visit.

Placing the Permanent Crown

The final step in how a dental crown is done is placing the permanent crown. Whether you’re receiving a traditional crown or a same day crown, this process is similar. Here’s what to expect when you return to PS Dental for your crown placement:

Removing the Temporary Crown

If you had a temporary crown, your dentist will start by removing it. This process is usually quick and painless. The dentist will then clean the tooth underneath, removing any temporary cement and ensuring there’s no debris or decay that could affect the fit of the permanent crown.

Fitting the Permanent Crown

Before cementing the permanent crown in place, your dentist will carefully check its fit and color. This involves:

• Placement Check: The dentist will place the crown on your tooth to check how it fits with adjacent teeth and opposing teeth when you bite down.
• Color Match: For visible teeth, the color of the crown will be compared to your natural teeth to ensure it blends seamlessly.
• Bite Analysis: Your dentist will ask you to bite down on a special paper that leaves marks on the crown, indicating any high spots that need adjustment.

Minor adjustments may be made to ensure that the crown fits perfectly and matches the surrounding teeth. This attention to detail is crucial for both the functionality and aesthetics of your new crown.

Cementing the Crown

Once the fit and color are perfect, the permanent crown is cemented onto your tooth. Here’s how this process typically unfolds:

• Tooth Preparation: Your dentist will clean and dry your tooth to prepare it for the cement.
• Cement Application: A special dental cement is applied to the inside of the crown or on your tooth.
• Crown Placement: The crown is carefully placed on your tooth and pressed firmly into position.
• Light Curing: If a light-activated cement is used, a special light will be shone on the crown to harden the cement quickly.
• Excess Cement Removal: Any excess cement that squeezes out from under the crown will be carefully removed.
• Final Check: Your dentist will do a final check of your bite and make any necessary adjustments.

This cementing process ensures that your new dental crown stays securely in place, allowing it to function just like a natural tooth.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Taking care of your new dental crown is essential for its longevity and effectiveness. With proper care, a dental crown can last for many years. Here are some detailed tips to help you maintain your crown:

Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of your dental crown and the health of your surrounding teeth and gums. Here’s what you should do:

• Sensitive Teeth Care: If you experience any sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few weeks.
• Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, including the area around your crown. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing: Floss daily, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than snapping the floss up, which could dislodge the crown.
• Mouthwash: Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease around your crown.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular visits to PS Dental will help ensure that your crown remains in good condition. Your dentist can check for any issues and clean areas that are hard to reach with regular brushing and flossing.

Avoiding Hard Foods

Although dental crowns are durable, it’s best to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy. This will help prevent any potential damage to the crown.

Choose PS Dental for Your Dental Crown Procedure

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