Restorative Reflections: 4 Steps to Getting a Dental Crown

Do you have an incredibly damaged tooth requiring a root canal? If so, your dentist will likely fit you with a dental crown after repairing it. Made of durable porcelain, this tooth-shaped cap covers your vulnerable pearly white to shield it from sustaining any additional injury. Many patients worry that the process of getting one placed will be long and painful, but fortunately, that’s not the case. Keep reading to learn 4 steps of being fitted for this restoration, so you can set your mind at ease!

Step #1: Assessment

Before they begin, your dentist will examine your mouth to evaluate the extent of the damage. It’s normal for them to take X-rays and other pictures to give them a comprehensive look at what’s happening with your teeth, jawbone, and bite alignment. In the past, they would also capture bite impressions using a reverse mold technique that involved biting into a tray full of foul-smelling goop that would then harden. Fortunately, today many dentists use digital imaging instead to avoid any unpleasantness for their patients.

Step #2: Anesthetic

Your dentist knows many patients get nervous about having restorations placed and won’t want you to experience discomfort. Typically, they’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic so that you won’t have any pain during the procedure. If you’re still feeling antsy, speak with your dentist about possible sedation options. Sometimes, oral sedation in pill form or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is given to patients to help them relax.

Step #3: Preparation

For your restoration to line up correctly with your natural teeth, your dentist will need to remove a portion of the tooth underneath. They have specialized instruments that can gently whittle away the layers until your natural tooth is small enough that your dental crown sits evenly on top of it. You might feel some pressure while they work, but it shouldn’t hurt.

Step #4: Placement

In the past, your dentist needed to send physical molds of your teeth to a lab to create your dental crown and you would have another appointment to be fitted. Thanks to CEREC (chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics) and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/manufacturing) technology, they can build them onsite using the digital impressions they took earlier. Once it’s created, your dentist will apply dental cement to the inside and carefully arrange it over your tooth. They’ll wipe away any excess cement, and voila! Your dental crown is ready to go! The entire process can be completed in as little as an hour.

Now that you know more about what to expect, you can see there’s no reason to fear your upcoming appointment. Soon, your tooth will be fixed, and you’ll have a beautiful new restoration to protect it!

About the Practice

At Mark Gray, DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, you and your whole crew benefit from two experts who provide a wide range of dental services, including same-day dental crowns. Using state-of-the-art technology, they can take accurate digital impressions and fit your restoration in a single visit. They also offer multiple forms of sedation to help you feel calm throughout your procedure. If you’d like to make an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling 281-493-9395.