What Does a Dental Crown Procedure Involve? Step-by-Step

Your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown if you have a damaged, decayed, or discolored tooth. Crowns fully encase the visible portion of the tooth with a cap made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. This restores the tooth’s shape, appearance, and function.

Let’s walk through the process of dental crowns in Ellicott Citystep-by-step so you know what to expect when getting this restorative treatment at your dentist near me in Ellicott City.

What is the purpose of a dental crown?

Dentists use crowns to:

• Protect a weak tooth from breaking
• Restore a broken or worn-down tooth
• Hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• Cover and support a tooth with a large filling
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover and normalize the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth

In short, crowns protect damaged teeth and restore proper chewing and appearance. This restorative dentistry can let you eat comfortably and smile confidently again.

How does the dentist prepare the tooth for a crown fitting?

The tooth preparation phase is the first step in the crown placement procedure. Your dentist in Ellicott City will:

• Numb the tooth and surrounding gums for your comfort
• Remove any decay and shape the tooth if needed so the crown can fit over it
• File down the tooth to make room for the thickness of the crown material
• Take impressions and bite registrations of the prepared tooth to create a custom crown
• Place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it until you receive the permanent one

This process usually takes two visits – the first to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown and the second to cement the finished custom crown.

What material options do I have for dental crown tooth coverage?

Today’s crown tooth options include:

• Porcelain crowns – Made of ceramic, these crowns match the translucency of natural tooth enamel for a seamless look. Porcelain is durable but more prone to fractures than metal crowns.
• Porcelain fused to metal crowns – A porcelain exterior fused to a metal structure combines strength and aesthetics. The metal interior provides support while the porcelain mimics natural tooth color.
• Gold crowns – Gold is valued for its longevity and biocompatibility. An attractive option for back molars, gold crowns won’t chip like porcelain.
• Zirconia crowns – Zirconia is a white ceramic that is extra durable and stain-resistant. These crowns maintain a bright smile.
• Temporary crowns – Made of acrylic resin or stainless steel, these serve as placeholders until the permanent custom crown is ready.

Discuss the pros and cons of different crown materials with your Ellicott City dentistry office. They can help select the right choice based on the tooth’s location, durability needs, aesthetics, and cost.

What technology assists the dental lab in making crowns?

After your dentist takes impressions of the prepared tooth, they send your molds to a dental laboratory. Skilled technicians create the crown by hand or with the following tech:

• CAD/CAM – Computer-aided design and manufacturing allow the technician to design and mill the crown digitally. This yields extremely accurate results.
• 3D printing – Dental labs may 3D print the crown model before milling the final restoration or printing in the permanent crown material.
• CNC machines – Some crowns are made from start to finish by automated computer numerical control (CNC) machines for precision fitting.

This technology allows dental labs to fabricate beautifully fitted crowns that comfortably restore your natural bite and smiling appearance.

Does getting a crown placed hurt with numbness?

You will not feel pain or discomfort during the crown placement as your dentist will sufficiently numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. Here’s what to expect:

• Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. You may feel slight pressure or poking as the numbing medication is administered, but this subsides quickly.
• As the numbing takes effect, your mouth will feel tingly and numb. But you should not feel anything sharp or uncomfortable. Tell your dentist if you need more anesthesia.
• You may feel some vibration and pressure during tooth preparation and crown fitting. However, thanks to the numbing, the process should not be painful.
• If you feel any sensitivity or pain, immediately inform your dentist so they can adjust the anesthesia.

The crown procedure is pain-free for nearly all patients with proper numbness. If you have any concerns about dental anxiety, inform your dentist’s office near me in Ellicott City.

How long does a final cemented crown last with good care?

With proper dental hygiene and regular dental checkups, a quality crown can easily last 5-15 years, often much longer. Here’s how to make your crown last:

• Brush gently around the crown twice daily and floss daily to maintain healthy gums.
• Avoid chewing hard foods like ice that could crack the crown.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth to prevent excessive wear.
• See your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings to catch any issues early.
• Promptly replace the crown if it fractures or becomes loose.

Follow your holistic dentist near you for home care instructions to maximize the longevity of your dental restoration. With proper maintenance, your new crown can last for decades!

If you have a damaged tooth that requires a crown, turn to the experts at Julian Center for Comprehensive Dentistry. Our skilled Ellicott City dentists provide premier restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments with the highest standards of care. Call us now and request an appointment online to discuss your crown options!