Dental crowns are among the most common ways to cover teeth that are decaying, severely stained, cracked, or just in bad shape. A crown is a versatile dental treatment that offers restoration and renewal. There are many options when it comes to dental crowns. For example, you can receive a gold, metal alloy, porcelain, or composite resin crown, depending on your preference, the dentist's recommendation, and what the problem is.
Getting a dental crown is not as simple of a procedure as having your teeth cleaned, but it is not as in-depth as an extraction. Nonetheless, a few steps are involved, which can be helpful to know ahead of time. Continue reading to find out more.
A guide to getting a dental crown
Here are the steps that are involved when getting a dental crown placed. This information can be helpful to patients who are preparing for this procedure.
Preparation
First, the dentist will apply a numbing agent to the tooth and surrounding areas. While having a crown is not necessarily painful, certain parts of the procedure are not the most comfortable, especially if the tooth is decaying. Once the patient's mouth is numbed, the dentist will remove any decaying tooth parts using a drill or laser. Then, the tooth is cleaned, and any excess debris is removed from the oral cavity.
Placing the dental crown
Usually, a composite resin crown is placed as a temporary measure while a permanent one is made in a dental lab. The composite resin keeps the natural tooth safe until the permanent crown is placed, typically a few weeks later. Installing both the temporary and permanent crown is quite simple. A small amount of dental cement is placed on the tooth, and the crown is pushed into place. The dentist will check for any excess pieces that may be overlapping or irritating the gum tissue.
Aftercare
Patients can return to school or work once the dental crown procedure is complete. It is not necessary to take any time off, as there is no open wound or anything that needs to heal. That said, if a sedative was provided before the procedure, the patient will need to have someone available to drive them home. Aftercare recommendations are relatively simple:
- Carefully brush around the newly placed dental crown.
- Rinse with salt water to keep any bacteria at bay.
- Avoid hard or chewy foods for a couple of days after the procedure.
- Note any irritations or discomforts from the dental crown area.
Find out more about getting dental crowns
Those who still have questions or concerns about getting a dental crown placed can consult directly with a dentist. Generally speaking, all dental crown procedures are relatively the same, though in some cases, there may be additional patient-specific steps. To find out more about the procedure or what is involved, reach out to our office today. We would be happy to help!
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Related Posts
The field of general dentistry involves taking care of the whole mouth, not only the teeth. Tobacco use is dangerous to your overall well-being, but your oral health is particularly at risk. When you smoke, your mouth is the first place that the nicotine and tar go. A general dentist sees firsthand the damage that…
Gingivitis is a type of mild gum disease that is often caused by poor general dentistry and oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing teeth as often as recommended. Other causes include tobacco use, poor nutrition, and taking certain medications. Fortunately, this condition usually remains mild if caught and treated early. If not…
Many people have anxiety regarding going to the dentist. General dentistry visits can be easier if you have some tools to ease your nerves and get through your appointment with minimal stress. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that you are calmer during dental or other medical appointments.A significant number of people fear going to…