What Happens During a Dental Crown Placement – Clinton Township, MI

A routine visit to the dentist should be a biannual plan for everyone in order to get a proper cleaning and exam. Though, some individuals may have to go to their dentist’s office more than twice in order to have procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals performed. If it is the case for you, you might be searching the internet searching for an explanation of the procedure you’re going to undergo. It’s natural to be inquisitive, but there is no need to be frightened.

The most common procedure is crowns, which are also referred to as “caps”, and they are used to maintain 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 like strength requirements, esthetic demands, and space available for the restoration.

The necessity for a crown occurs when decay or damage to a tooth is too much to be helped with a veneer, or if a root canal has taken place. Based on what material is chosen to create your crown, it will either be created at the dental office, or in a laboratory. Prior to receiving the crown, it is common 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 create the right sized and shaped crown. During this consultation, a temporary crown might be placed on the damaged tooth to safeguard it until final placement.

During a second appointment, the new dental crown will be placed and secured in. Some patients may require a local anesthetic; however this is generally painless to the majority of patients. The crown will be examined by the dentist for how it is placed; making sure it properly fits the tooth and its neighboring teeth. You might be instructed to look in a mirror to look at the shape and color. Once both you and your dentist are content with the crown as a whole, the crown can be cemented in position and any extra dental cement will be scraped away by the dentist.

After the placement of a crown, your dentist will give you with details about proper care for your new crown. Typical practices of brushing twice daily and flossing will help prevent the growth of plaque and gum disease. Make sure you 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 stated earlier, crowns can be made of several materials according to the need of the patient.

All-ceramic crowns are generally more esthetically pleasing given that 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 option for a restricted space in the mouth. The durability of the all-cement crown is good, but 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 takes away some of the translucency in the porcelain but adds needed durability and support. It is essential to be aware that as gum recession occurs, the metal portion of the crown can become visible.
A gold crown is not as popular as it used to be, mainly for esthetic reasons. Having said that, a gold crown has a lot to offer in strength and durability, especially for molars and people who clench or grind their teeth. Gold is a good choice material when thinking about the wear and tear on the bordering teeth, since it tends to be less abrasive than porcelain.