Are you in need of a new dental crown? Crowns have the ability to protect and build up damaged teeth, helping them to stay healthy for many years into the future. To ensure optimal comfort and fit, your dentist must first prepare your tooth for the dental crown to be placed. Continue reading to learn more about the dental crown process and what it looks like.
Removing Damage
The first step in the dental crown preparation process is removing the damaged portions of the tooth. Your dentist will do this using dental tools. They will also numb the area with a local anesthetic ahead of time, so you don’t need to worry about feeling any discomfort. Removing the existing damage is crucial in restoring the health of your tooth.
Cleaning
Next, your dentist will clean your tooth. A lot of the time, the removal of the damage and decay will result in empty spaces. These areas are more susceptible to bacterial growth, so they must be disinfected before moving forward.
Filling
After the tooth has been sanitized, your dentist will fill in any empty spaces with dental material. Today, dentists usually use tooth-colored composite resin. By filling in the tooth, they are significantly reducing the potential for new infections.
Smoothing
The final step when preparing for your dental crown is smoothing down the surface of your tooth. Decayed and damaged teeth often have areas that are sharp. Dental instruments can be used to shave down certain spots. You shouldn’t feel any pain thanks to your local anesthetic.
Crown Placement
Dental impressions are taken and then send to the dental laboratory. Here, your dental crown will be custom crafted for you. Until it is ready, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to keep it safe and help you get used to how your new restoration will feel. After a couple of weeks, you can return to the dental office to have your permanent crown adhered to your tooth using dental cement. If everything looks and feels as it should, you will be sent on your way!
If you are getting your new dental crown soon, now you know exactly what you can expect. Your new crown will keep your tooth in good shape for many years to come!
About the Practice
At Buda Dental Professionals, we have a team of skilled dentists serving patients in the Buda community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (512) 295-5555.