Dental Crown Procedures: What To Expect

Dental crowns are a restorative dental treatment option that can help improve the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged, decayed, discoloured, or crooked tooth. Here, the dentists at Pembroke Dental in Pembroke share what to expect during a dental crown procedure. 

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also called a cap, is a dental treatment that covers and restores the shape, size, and color of a tooth.

By placing a dental crown, the strength, functionality, and appearance of a damaged or decayed tooth can be improved, eliminating the need for extraction and replacement.

Furthermore, dental crowns can be utilized for cosmetic purposes, such as concealing an uneven or discolored tooth, resulting in an enhanced smile.

Dental crowns are known for their durability, primarily because they are commonly crafted from porcelain, a material that safeguards and reinforces the remaining tooth structure.

The Crown Procedure

To place a dental crown generally requires at least two appointments at your dental office. Once your dentist determines you need a crown, here's what you can expect at each appointment. 

The First Appointment

In order to prepare for a crown, your dentist will first examine your mouth and then prepare the tooth.

To prepare the tooth, your dentist will carefully shape and remove a portion of the outer layer. Then, an impression of the trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth will be taken, and a temporary crown will be placed to provide protection. The temporary crown is secured using temporary cement, allowing for easy removal when the permanent crown is ready.

Your dental office will send the precise tooth impression to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will craft your permanent crown. This process typically takes a few weeks.

With the help of your tooth impression, the laboratory technician will assess your bite and jaw movements to create a customized crown. Your dentist will also determine the shade of your natural teeth, enabling the technician to match the color of the crown seamlessly.

The Second Appointment

Once the crown is ready, you’ll return to your dental office for the second appointment. During this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown on your tooth.

The permanent crown is first placed on the tooth and inspected for acceptable fit, bite and smooth margins. After any necessary adjustments have been made, the crown is cemented with permanent cement or dental glue.

Caring for a Dental Crown

With appropriate care, dental crowns typically have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years. However, they can still be susceptible to damage, making it crucial to practice careful brushing and flossing techniques around the crowned teeth.

By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help prolong the longevity of your dental crowns and reduce the likelihood of premature replacement.

To learn more about dental crowns and the options that are available to you, contact our Pembroke dentists today.