Dental crowns are versatile restorations that can restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth. If you’ve been recommended for a dental crown, you may have questions about the process involved. Let’s go over our comprehensive guide at Ashwood Dental Surgery to the steps involved in getting a dental crown, from initial consultation to final placement.
Introduction to Dental Crowns
At Ashwood Dental Surgery, keeping your smile healthy is our top priority. We often suggest dental crowns to our patients. What’s a dental crown, and when do you need one?
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown acts like a cap for your tooth. It covers the visible part above the gum line. They make your tooth stronger, look better, and keep it from further damage.
Why Do We Need Dental Crowns?
We suggest crowns for various reasons. They help if your tooth is weak, not its natural colour, as a bridge piece, or if it’s damaged. They can protect a tooth damaged by decay, hold a big filling, or after a root canal. Crowns also improve the looks of off-colour or oddly shaped teeth. They’re vital in some tooth replacement methods. Plus, they can make a worn-down tooth strong and good-looking again.
Demystifying the Dental Crown Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Consultation and Examination: The first step in getting a dental crown is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options. If a dental crown is recommended, your dentist will explain the procedure in detail and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation: Once you’ve decided to proceed with a dental crown, the next step is tooth preparation. This involves reshaping the tooth to create space for the crown to fit properly. Your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Then, they will use professional dental instruments to remove any decayed or damaged areas of the tooth and shape it to accommodate the crown.
Step 3: Impressions: After the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions will serve as a blueprint for the fabrication of your custom dental crown. Depending on the dental office, traditional putty impressions may be used, or digital impressions may be taken using advanced scanning technology for greater accuracy.
Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement: While your permanent crown is being fabricated by a dental laboratory, your dentist may place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or composite resin and are designed to be temporary placeholders until the permanent crown is ready.
Step 5: Crown Fabrication: The impressions taken during your appointment will be sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will craft your custom dental crown. Depending on the materials used and the complexity of the restoration, this process typically takes about two to three weeks. Your dentist will choose a crown material that best suits your needs, such as porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or zirconia.
Step 6: Crown Placement: Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dental office for its placement. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and carefully clean and inspect the prepared tooth to ensure proper fit and alignment. Then, they will try in the permanent crown to verify its fit and appearance. If any adjustments are needed, your dentist will make them at this time.
Step 7: Cementation: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance of the crown, it will be permanently cemented into place. Your dentist will use a dental adhesive to bond the crown to the prepared tooth, ensuring a secure and durable restoration. After cementation, your dentist will remove any excess cement and polish the crown to achieve a natural-looking finish.
Step 8: Final Checks and Instructions: Before you leave the dental office, your dentist will conduct final checks to ensure that your bite is properly aligned and that the crown functions harmoniously with your other teeth. They will also provide you with instructions on how to care for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and dietary guidelines to maximise its longevity.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Taking care of your new dental crown is really important. Our team at Ashwood Dental Surgery will show you how to clean and look after it. They’ll tell you what to check for in case there are any problems. By looking after it properly, your crown will stay great for many years.
Caring for Your New Dental Crown
Looking after your crown is just like taking care of your natural teeth. You need to brush and floss it regularly. Make sure to be gentle with it. Don’t use toothpaste and brushes that are too rough. They could damage your crown. Always use a soft-bristled brush and a fluoride toothpaste.
Keep in mind not to eat really hard or crunchy foods. They might break your crown. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, consider wearing a nightguard. This guard can stop your crown from getting worn down too quickly.
Signs of Issues with Your Crown
Even though dental crowns are strong, they can still have problems. If you notice any of these signs, it could mean your crown needs help:
- Feeling more sensitive or painful around the crowned tooth
- The crown looking discoloured or stained
- Feeling loose or moving
- Biting feels different suddenly
High-Quality Dental Crowns with Ashwood Dental Surgery
Getting a dental crown is a multi-step process that involves careful planning, preparation, and craftsmanship. From consultation to final placement, each step is essential to ensure the success and longevity of your restoration. By understanding the process involved, you can approach your dental crown treatment with confidence and achieve a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. If you have any further questions or concerns about getting a dental crown, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist for personalised guidance and advice.
Thinking about a dental crown in Australia? Our Ashwood Dental Surgery team is ready to assist you. We make the process easy and are here for any questions or worries. Crowns can help a weak tooth or make your smile better. We’re all about top-notch care to ensure you’re happy. If you want to know more or book a visit, call us on (03) 9885 2712. We can’t wait to make your smile healthy and beautiful.
