Dental Crown Procedure Explained for Patients - Washington Township

Dental Crown Procedure Explained for Patients – Washington Township

A routine visit to the dentist should be a biannual plan for everyone so that you can get a proper cleaning and exam. Though, some individuals may have to visit their dentist’s office more than twice in order to have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals performed. If that is the situation for you, you may be checking the internet seeking an explanation of the procedure you are about to undergo. It’s natural to be interested, but there is no need to be frightened.

The most common procedure is crowns, which are also called “caps”, and they are used to preserve or protect a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be made of three different restorative materials (all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold), which materials are chosen to create the crown is determined by a variety of needs including strength requirements, esthetic demands, and space available for the restoration.

The need for a crown develops when decay or damage to a tooth is too much to be helped with a veneer, or if a root canal has taken place. Subject to what material is chosen to create your crown, it will either be made at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Prior to receiving the crown, it is typical to have a consultation visit where your dentist will go over preparation processes for the procedure and take impressions of your existing tooth in order to make the right sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown could be placed on the damaged tooth to preserve it until final placement.

During the second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and fastened in. Some patients may need to have a local anesthetic; but this is generally painless to the majority of patients. The crown will be looked over by the dentist for the way it is placed; making certain it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You might be instructed to look in a mirror to check the shape and color. Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the crown as a whole, the crown will be cemented into position and any extra dental cement can be scraped away by the dentist.

After the placement of a crown, your dentist will supply you with details about proper care for your new crown. Typical practices of brushing twice daily and flossing will help to prevent the growth of plaque and gum disease. It’s always best to avoid chewing ice or other hard foods, grinding or clenching your teeth, and biting your fingernails, as these can lead to damage of the dental crown.

Dental Crown Materials

As mentioned before, crowns can be made of several materials based on the need of the individual.

All-ceramic crowns are usually more esthetically pleasing because the translucency of the material makes them look very similar to natural teeth. These crowns do not require any metal and are able to use less material, which makes them a great choice for a small space in the mouth. The durability of the all-cement crown is good, but really should not be used for people who have a tendency to grind or clench their teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are the second most esthetically pleasing option. The metal on the inside of the crown gets rid of some of the translucency of the porcelain but provides needed strength and support. It is essential to be aware that as gum recession happens, the metal portion of the crown could become visible.
A gold crown isn’t as popular as it used to be, mainly for esthetic reasons. Having said that, a gold crown has a lot to offer in durability and strength, especially for molars and people who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice material when considering the wear and tear on the bordering teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.