General dentists provide dental crowns to restore the appearance of a tooth and improve its strength and function. The dental crown is a covering for the tooth. Once in place, it covers the whole visible part of the tooth that is above the gum line. If you are scheduled to get a dental crown, you may be curious about how the dentist will handle the production process.
A dental crown is a restorative treatment to save a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be divided into two categories: traditional dental crowns and same-day crowns. The differences between the two types are the duration of production and where it happens.
Two dental appointments are usually required. At the first appointment, the dentist will examine and prepare the tooth that will get the crown. They may take X-rays of the tooth and supporting ones. If there are signs or risks of infections or damage to the tooth pulp, they may perform a root canal treatment.
To make space for the crown, the crown is filed down around the sides and the top. The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the crown material. Full metal crowns are thinner and do not require removing as much tooth structure, unlike porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If a significant part of the tooth is lost to damage or decay, a filling material is used to rebuild the tooth structure for the crowning procedure.
After preparing the tooth, the dentist will take impressions with a paste or putty. They will also take impressions of the teeth opposite the tooth. This is to ensure proper bite alignment.
The dentist will send the impressions to a dental laboratory that will make the crown. The finished crown is returned to the dental office in about two weeks. Until then, the patient will get a temporary crown to protect the tooth before the permanent tooth is ready.
At the second appointment, the dentist will place the permanent crown. First, the temporary crown is taken off. They will check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is in order, they may use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth before permanently cementing the new crown over the tooth.
Same-day crowns are created in the general dentists’ office if they have the equipment. In a process similar to that of placing conventional crowns, the dentist will first prepare the tooth for a crown by removing decay and shaping the tooth to fit the new crown.
After this, a scanning device will be used to take digital images of the tooth in the mouth. A computer software produces 3D models of the tooth and transfers the image to the in-office machine that fabricates the crown from a block of ceramic. This method is known as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The entire crowning process is completed in a single dental appointment.
General dentists can make crowns in the office if they have the equipment. Without it, they will need to forward tooth impressions to the dental lab to create the crown. If you have questions about the process, book an appointment for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A dental inlay is one of several restorative options available to repair damaged teeth and preserve oral health. When decay, fractures, or wear compromise the strength or structure of a tooth, dentists consider the severity and location of the damage to determine the most appropriate treatment. Understanding the differences between a dental inlay, onlay, filling,…
Preventative dental care refers to all the ways you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums, which will ultimately help prevent more severe issues down the road. One great way to provide this type of care is through treatments, including scaling and root planing, periodontal therapy, and laser gum surgery. The following are…
Preventative dental care has long been the focus of dentists and patients alike. Taking proactive steps to protect your teeth and gums not only helps you prevent tooth decay and gum disease but can also decrease your risk of developing other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Here’s how oral health affects…
The most effective way to prevent tooth decay is with preventative dental care. Everyone wants to maintain a healthy white smile for a lifetime. Your smile is your first impression and a great way to show confidence. Keeping that smile can be very easy if you follow a few easy steps.Tooth decay causes gum disease,…