Many receive dental crowns for various reasons. Most commonly, dental crowns are given to patients with unhealthy or discolored teeth. One study found that 32% of those surveyed felt concerned by the look of their smile. While you might feel slightly nervous about receiving dental crowns, you’ll want to know that these procedures occur all of the time. In fact, a single crown is the most common restorative dental procedure for patients. Statistics show that nearly 2.3 million implant supported crowns are created each year. However, it’s perfectly understandable to wonder about the dental crown process. In this post, you’ll learn the primary steps involved in receiving a dental crown.
What to Expect From Your Initial Appointment
In order to receive dental crowns, your dentist will want to inspect the affected areas. This includes utilizing special tools and equipment. You’ll commonly hear this process know as shaping the tooth. This involves trimming down the teeth where crowns will be placed.
One of the biggest myths about the dentist is that crowns are painful. A dental professional will apply a numbing medication, blocking any feelings of pain. Teeth must be shaped in order to have your crowns fit properly and have enough foundational strength to remain in place.
Placing Your Temporary
After your tooth is properly shaped, you’ll receive a temporary crown. This allows you to have a temporary tooth while your permanent crown is being created. In most cases, it will take about two weeks for your dental office to receive your finished crown.
Temporary crowns are typically made from metal or plastic. Your dentist will place a special kind of cement that secures your temporary crown firmly within the gum. After receiving your temporary, you’ll make an appointment to have your permanent crown.
Receiving Your Permanent Dental Crown
Upon arriving at the dental office for your second appointment, it’s now time to receive your permanent crown. That being said, your dentist will first need to remove your temporary. This process is much easier and faster than it sounds. A dentist commonly utilizes either heat or a solution that makes the cement easy to remove. After ensuring all of this cement is removed, it’s time to fit your permanent crown.
Next, your dentist will begin fitting the crown. This process is conducted in order to ensure your crown fits perfectly and comfortably within your mouth. After your crown is properly fitted and cemented, you’ll typically receive post care instructions. Permanent crowns are designed to remain secure within the gums. That being said, it’s generally recommended that you avoid sticky foods within the first 24 hours of receiving your permanent crown.
It’s also important to make sure that your bite feels correct after receiving your crown. If you feel that your permanent crown isn’t properly sized, this is an easy matter to correct. Your dentist will simply need to buff down the crown, this is a virtually painless and fast process.
In closing, receiving dental crowns are extremely common procedures for patients. Statistics show that 15 million people throughout the United States have received either crown and bridge replacements. In most cases, the crown process can be completed within two visits to your dentist. Patients of all ages regularly receive dental crowns. If you’re looking for dental crown treatment for your children, consider finding a family dental office.