Do you have an overly decayed or damaged tooth interfering with your ability to eat, speak, or smile confidently? If so, there’s a good chance your dentist will place a dental crown to protect it while restoring its appearance and functionality.
Although these prosthetics can safeguard your smile, many patients avoid scheduling their appointment because they don’t know what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about the process of being fitted with a dental crown to alleviate your anxiety!
Step #1: Examination
Getting a dental crown typically takes two appointments that can be weeks apart. Before proceeding, you must consult an expert to ensure that you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Make an appointment with your dentist or a specialist, like a prosthodontist, so they can examine your mouth. They will verify your condition and check for any signs of cavities or gum disease that might interfere with your results. If your tooth is infected, you might require additional treatments (like a root canal) to remove the damaged materials, first.
Once they verify that a dental crown is the best way to preserve and restore your injured tooth, they can move forward with your procedure.
Step #2: Preparation & Impressions
Your dentist must remove some of the enamel from the underlying tooth for your dental crown to fit correctly. First, they’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Then, they’ll use special instruments to thin the protective outer layer.
Next, they’ll use state-of-the-art technology to make digital impressions of your teeth that will be sent to a special dental laboratory that uses the information to begin building your permanent prosthetic.
Step #3: Temporary Crown Placement
It often takes a few weeks for the lab to deliver the final product, and your pearly white is somewhat vulnerable to decay and injury after its preparation. Your prosthodontist will likely place a temporary dental crown to safeguard it while you wait. This part-time restoration isn’t intended to be worn as long, so it’s not custom-fitted and isn’t as durable as your personalized prosthetic will be.
Step #4: Permanent Crown Delivery
When your specialist receives your prosthetic, they’ll contact you for a final fitting. First, they’ll remove your temporary cap. Then, they’ll check that your permanent dental crown fits as intended and that your teeth touch together correctly when you close them together to avoid possible bite misalignments. If everything checks out, they’ll cement your replacement tooth over the injured one, wipe away excess materials, and polish it to a shine.
The final result is a seamlessly repaired grin that can last 5 to 10+ years with the right care!
About the Practice
At EMA Dental, you benefit from a team of dentists who are eager to help you build and maintain a happy, healthy smile. With several general dentists and specialists on staff, including a prosthodontist, they’re experts at rebuilding damaged or missing teeth. Their family-friendly practice welcomes patients of all ages, and they can help with everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, including getting dental crowns. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver lifelike restorations intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (413) 584-4900.