Have you ever suffered from a cracked tooth, witnessed persistent decay, or experienced tooth damage that hampered your smile? If so, you are not alone! Millions of people face these issues, and a common favorite for solving these issues has been dental crowns. It restores your optimal oral functioning and appearance effectively. However, do you know the process of getting these oral appliances? This blog will provide comprehensive information on what you can expect while restoring your smile with these restorative appliances.
What is a Dental Crown?
This oral appliance is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a natural tooth to restore its size, strength, appearance, and shape. It covers a discolored, stained, or damaged tooth and supports teeth with large fillings. Dental crowns fits over your damaged tooth like a snug hat.
The Process of Getting Dental Crown
Dental crowns may be made up of a number of materials like porcelain, resin or metal. The dental crown is placed right over the damaged tooth. At Old Settlers Dental, residents of Round Rock can receive a number of tooth replacement options. Contact Us.
The method of placing a dental crown generally requires just two visits to the dental clinic. Here is what happens during each appointment:
First Visit
Preparing Your Tooth
Your restorative dentist will remove a small portion of your natural tooth’s enamel. This creates enough space for the crown to fit over the hampered tooth. If your original tooth is severely damaged or decayed, your dentist may use a filling to build the structure. This ensures a strong foundation for the cap. This step is important as it holds the position of the artificial tooth and provides adequate functionality for the years to come.
Take Impressions
Once your teeth are prepared, your dental care provider will take impressions to capture the exact shape and size of your teeth. The goal is to ensure the crowns fit perfectly and match your natural smile.
Placement of Temporary Crown
Generally, it takes around two to three weeks or even longer for a dental practice to build your personalized crown. In the meantime, your restorative dentist will place a temporary dental crown in Round Rock. These interim caps are made of resin or acrylic and aid in protecting your tooth until your permanent ones are created.
Second Visit
Once your permanent tooth caps are ready, you need to revisit the practice for the final placement. Here is what you can expect on the second visit:
Removal of Temporary Crown
A dental practitioner will prepare your tooth for the new crown by carefully removing and cleaning the temporary crown.
Checking the Fit
Before fixing the cap in place, the oral care provider will check its shape, color, and fit. This step ensures the oral appliance blends seamlessly with your natural teeth and you feel comfortable.
Bonding the Crown
Once the crown fits you perfectly, your dentist will use a strong oral adhesive to bond the crown to your natural tooth. In this step, they also make final adjustments to ensure your bite is natural and comfortable.
Common FAQs About Dental Crown Placement
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last about 10-15 years or longer. Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid bad habits like teeth grinding or chewing hard objects to extend their lifespan.
Does it Hurt While Getting a Crown?
The process is typically painless, as your chosen dentist will numb the area before starting the process.
Can I Eat Normally With Temporary Crowns?
While you wear the temporary crown, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could dislodge it. Add soft food to your diet and keep up your oral hygiene to keep the area protected.
Getting a dental crown might sound like a complex process, but it’s effective and straightforward to restore your optimal oral condition. With proper care and following your dentist’s recommendations, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile for years. If you experience oral concerns like chipped or mishap teeth, do not wait to schedule an appointment today at our clinic today!