Ever wondered what actually happens during a dental crown procedure? Understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the dental crown procedure steps—from preparing the tooth to the final placement. Whether you’re curious about how crowns restore damaged teeth or what to expect at your next appointment, this article has everything you need to know!
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What Are the Key Steps Involved in the Dental Crown Procedure?
A dental crown is a restorative solution designed to protect and enhance a damaged or weakened tooth. The procedure involves several precise steps to ensure the crown fits securely, functions effectively, and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Main steps in the dental crown process:
- Initial Consultation and Assessment
The process begins with a thorough evaluation of the affected tooth. The dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of damage or decay. If the tooth requires additional treatment, such as a root canal, this will be performed before proceeding with the crown. This step ensures that the foundation is strong enough to support the crown. - Tooth Preparation
After confirming the need for a crown, the dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic for a pain-free experience. The tooth is then reshaped by removing decay or damaged areas to create a stable base for the crown. In cases where the tooth is severely damaged, material may be added to rebuild its structure, ensuring a secure fit for the crown. - Taking an Impression
Next, the dentist takes an impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression, which can be created using traditional putty or advanced digital scanners, serves as a mold for the custom-made crown. Digital impressions offer enhanced precision and comfort for the patient, streamlining the process. - Temporary Crown Placement
While the permanent crown is being crafted, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth and maintain its appearance. Made from acrylic, the temporary crown is attached with temporary adhesive and requires careful handling to avoid dislodgement. - Crown Fabrication
The impression or scan is sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is designed using materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination. This process typically takes about two weeks. In practices equipped with CAD/CAM technology, same-day crowns may be fabricated, significantly reducing wait times. - Fitting and Placing the Permanent Crown
Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans the tooth, and ensures the new crown fits perfectly. Adjustments may be made to ensure comfort and proper bite alignment. Once satisfied, the dentist permanently cements the crown into place, ensuring it is securely attached and looks natural. - Final Adjustments and Aftercare
The dentist makes final refinements to the crown and provides instructions for care. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding hard or sticky foods initially. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will ensure the crown lasts and functions effectively over time.
How Long Does the Dental Crown Procedure Take?
A dental crown procedure is an effective solution for restoring the shape, function, and aesthetics of a damaged tooth. The time required for the process varies depending on the type of crown, the technology used, and any additional treatments needed.
Traditional Crown Procedure
This method typically requires two separate visits to the dentist’s office and spans about 2 to 3 weeks from start to finish.
- First Visit (60–90 minutes):
- The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and prepares the tooth by reshaping it.
- An impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the permanent crown.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
- Second Visit (30–60 minutes):
- The dentist removes the temporary crown, fits the permanent crown, and makes any necessary adjustments.
- Once the fit is confirmed, the permanent crown is bonded to the tooth.
This process involves a waiting period of about two weeks while the crown is custom-made at a dental lab.
Same-Day Crown Procedure (CEREC)
Advancements in technology allow some crowns to be designed, created, and placed in a single visit lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours.
- Preparation and Imaging (10–15 minutes):
- The tooth is prepared similarly to the traditional method.
- A digital scanner captures 3D images of the tooth, eliminating the need for a physical impression.
- Crown Design and Creation (20–30 minutes):
- The 3D images are used to design the crown, which is then milled on-site using advanced machinery.
- Placement (10–15 minutes):
- The dentist ensures the crown fits properly, makes adjustments if necessary, and bonds it to the tooth.
This method is significantly faster as the permanent crown is ready on the same day.
What Happens During the Crown Placement Appointment?
A crown placement appointment is an essential step in restoring and protecting a damaged or weakened tooth. It typically occurs in two stages: preparing the tooth and taking impressions during the initial visit, followed by fitting the permanent crown during a subsequent visit.
1. Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The dentist starts by examining the tooth that requires a crown. This evaluation may include X-rays to assess damage or decay. The dentist will discuss suitable crown materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, to determine the best choice based on the tooth’s location, functionality, and your aesthetic preferences.
- Convenience Tip: Digital scanning technology is often available, providing 3D models of your teeth for more precise and comfortable impressions.
2. Tooth Preparation and Shaping
The dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic to ensure the procedure is pain-free. Once numbed, the tooth is reshaped to fit the crown snugly. Any decay or damage is removed, and if the tooth is severely compromised, a filling material may be used to rebuild its structure.
- Convenience Tip: For visible teeth, the dentist may shape the tooth with extra care to ensure the final result looks natural and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Taking Impressions for the Crown
Impressions are taken to create a custom mold for the permanent crown. Traditional methods use putty-like material, but many dentists now use digital scanning technology, which is quicker and more precise. The dentist also ensures that the bite is properly aligned during this step.
- Precision Tip: Digital impressions minimize errors, resulting in a better fit for the final crown. Ask your dentist about this option for a more accurate outcome.
4. Temporary Crown Placement
While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. This protects the tooth and maintains its appearance. Made from materials like acrylic, the temporary crown is not as durable as the final crown but is functional enough for daily activities. The dentist will advise you to avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent dislodging it.
- Convenience Tip: If the temporary crown becomes loose or uncomfortable, contact your dentist promptly to avoid further complications.
Aftercare and Maintenance Tips for Your Dental Crown
Dental crowns are an excellent solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal. Nevertheless, proper aftercare is essential to ensure the longevity of your crown and prevent issues such as discomfort, loosening, or damage. Follow these practical tips to maintain your dental crown and protect your oral health.
1. Be Mindful of Your Diet
Immediately after the crown placement, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can dislodge or damage the crown, especially if it’s temporary. Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours. Once healed, avoid biting down on extremely hard items like ice or bones, which can crack the crown. Temporary crowns require extra care as they are less durable than permanent ones.
2. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Treat your crown like a natural tooth by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Pay extra attention to cleaning around the base of the crown to prevent plaque buildup that can lead to gum disease or decay. Using an antibacterial mouthwash adds another layer of protection, keeping the crown and surrounding gums healthy.
3. Protect Against Teeth Grinding
Bruxism (teeth grinding) can significantly wear down or damage a crown. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted nightguard can protect your crown and natural teeth from excessive pressure and friction.
4. Avoid Misusing Your Teeth
Using your teeth as tools—for opening packages or bottles—places undue stress on your crown and can lead to chips or loosening. Always use appropriate tools to avoid unnecessary strain.
5. Attend Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental visits are vital for monitoring the condition of your crown and surrounding teeth. Dentists can spot early signs of wear, damage, or decay under the crown. Regular checkups also ensure the crown remains properly aligned and functional.
6. Monitor for Damage or Discomfort
If you notice your crown feels loose, is causing discomfort, or shows signs of damage such as chips or cracks, contact your dentist immediately. Prompt attention can prevent further complications, such as decay or infection in the underlying tooth.
7. Protect Against Staining
While dental crowns, especially porcelain ones, are resistant to stains, excessive consumption of coffee, tea, or red wine can discolor them over time. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages to minimize discoloration. Avoid tobacco products, as they can stain crowns and harm your overall oral health.
8. Know When to Seek Help
If your crown falls out or becomes loose, don’t delay in contacting your dentist. In some cases, crowns can be re-cemented, but this depends on the condition of the crown and tooth. Persistent pain or sensitivity around the crown area may indicate underlying issues requiring professional intervention.
Sources.
Visser, A., Raghoebar, G. M., Meijer, H. J., Meijndert, L., & Vissink, A. (2011). Care and aftercare related to implant‐retained dental crowns in the maxillary aesthetic region: a 5‐year prospective randomized clinical trial. Clinical implant dentistry and related research, 13(2), 157-167.
Wilson, N. A., Whitehead, S. A., Mjör, I. A., & Wilson, N. H. (2003). Reasons for the placement and replacement of crowns in general dental practice. Primary Dental Care, (2), 53-59.