If you are dealing with a troubled tooth that’s damaged or decayed, it can affect your daily life. When you visit your dentist, they’ll suggest a treatment that’ll give you back a happy smile! Sometimes, it may require a simple dental filling, but more severe damage might call for a dental crown. These ceramic caps are shields for an injured tooth, protecting it from external forces.
You may be hesitant to proceed with the treatment if you’re unfamiliar with it, so here’s how your dentist prepares a tooth for a dental crown.
Step 1: Examination of the Tooth
Your dentist will first examine your tooth and may take some X-rays. This step is an important part of the process, as it provides a clearer picture of the extent of damage or decay. Any issues, such as infected dental pulp, must be addressed foremost. If not, then they can cause complications in the future.
Step 2: Numbing & Preparation
Once any underlying problems are taken care of, you’ll then be numbed with local anesthetic. This helps ensure that the preparation process is comfortable for you! When you are properly numb, your dentist will take time to remove the decayed or damaged parts of your tooth. Afterward, they take off a small amount of enamel from the top and sides of your tooth to make space for the dental crown. Your tooth will look smaller and smoother, but this will ensure the dental crown sits in line with your natural teeth and doesn’t look too bulky or out of place.
During the preparation process, you may feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. Some dental practices may offer sedation options, such as oral conscious sedation if your smile tends to be more sensitive.
Step 3: Digital Imaging & Dental Crown Placement
With advancements in dental technology, your dentist may offer CEREC same-day crowns. For this type of restoration, your dentist will take digital impressions of your teeth using CEREC software. This information is then used to make a digital model of your dental crown, allowing your dentist to customize it to the proper shape, size, and color. It is then sent to a milling machine within the dental office that will carve out your new restoration from ceramic.
After a short wait, your new dental crown will be ready for placement. Your dentist uses dental cement to secure it on the prepared tooth, and then you’ll be ready to show off your newly fixed smile!
You can feel more confident in restoring your tooth with a dental crown if you know what to expect when getting one. Your dentist is more than happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have during your consultation!
About the Practice
Dr. Aarati Kalluri earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco and her Master’s Degree in Prosthodontics from King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, India.
With this educational background and over 20 years of experience, she is proud to offer a wide range of restorative treatments like CEREC dental crowns. That means the entire process can be completed in just a single appointment, with results that’ll last you years! If you have any questions about dental crowns, schedule an appointment or call us at (503) 352-5116.