One of the reasons why so many patients feel anxious about visiting the dental office for a treatment is because they aren’t entirely sure what to expect, and as the procedure is taking place, they also aren’t exactly sure what the dentist is doing in their mouth. This can be the case for many patients who are receiving a dental crown. Read on to learn what to expect during the preparation process of getting a dental crown to ease any lingering nerves you may have.
Step 1: Remove Decay & Clean the Tooth
Dental crowns are usually recommended when the structure of a tooth has been compromised, whether that’s from dental damage or due to a cavity that has gone left untreated. If this is the case for you, your dentist will begin preparing the tooth for a crown by thoroughly cleaning it and clearing away any decayed dental structure. In order to make sure no harmful oral bacteria become trapped beneath the crown, your dentist will also thoroughly sanitize and clean the tooth.
Step 2: Treat the Tooth
If root canal treatment is necessary, which is also a common situation that requires a dental crown, this will take place before the crown is cemented onto the tooth. This involves accessing the inner chamber of the tooth and removing the infected pulp within it, which is a collection of soft tissues and nerves. Then, your dentist will restore the tooth’s structure with a substance called gutta percha. If a dental filling is needed, they will simply fill the tooth with composite resin after cleaning it.
Step 3: Take Impressions to Craft the Dental Crown
After the tooth has been treated and prepared for the dental crown, your dental team will take impressions of the tooth that they can then send off to a laboratory. There, technicians will custom craft a dental crown for you based on the impressions captured by your dentist, sending the final product back to the office to be permanently cemented onto the tooth.
Step 4: Finishing Touches & Placement
When the crown arrives at your dentist’s office, they will make sure it’s the proper shade and shape before cementing it onto the tooth. Once attached to the tooth, they will also check your bite to make sure it’s balanced and give the restoration a quick polish. With good professional and at-home oral hygiene, your dental crown can last for up to 15 years!
About the Practice
At DuPont Family Dentistry, our team is led by two highly experienced general dentists, Dr. John Ludu and Dr. Rhenu Sharma. They’re committed to providing patients with high-quality, lasting dental results that help preserve their natural smiles by using durable dental materials and modern techniques. Whether you need a dental crown or another type of restoration, our team can help. To schedule an appointment, visit DuPont Family Dentistry’s website or call 253-964-7000.