Dental crowns are restorative options used to preserve the integrity of a weakened tooth. They can also be used to support teeth needing large fillings, keep a bridge in place, or cover teeth with cosmetic issues. If you’ve been recommended for this restoration, discover what to expect with the helpful guide below.

A Beginner’s Guide to Dental Crowns

Preparation

After the dentist determines you’re an eligible candidate for this restoration, they will take an impression of your teeth. Impressions act as a blueprint for creating a crown that’s tailor-made to fit your mouth’s unique shape. To prepare the tooth, the dentist may need to shave down or fill the tooth with enamel. This ensures it’s stable enough to support the restoration. Should they discover any decay at this stage, they’ll remove it and fill the cavity.

Temporary Crowns

While the permanent restoration is being produced, the dentist will outfit you with a temporary crown. This will prevent harmful bacteria from entering any vulnerable areas in the tooth caused by chips, cracks, or fractures. Made of acrylic, the temporary restoration will be kept in position with a special cement.

Permanent Crowns

At a subsequent visit, the dentist will remove the temporary restoration and verify the color and fit of the permanent solution. Ceramic and porcelain crowns can be altered to match the natural color of your surrounding teeth. Then, they’ll apply a local anesthetic to numb the area as a new crown is applied and permanently bonded to the tooth. You may be instructed to avoid particularly hard or sticky foods to prevent damaging the restoration, but otherwise continue to care for it following the same dental hygiene practices as with the rest of your teeth.

If you have dental issues and suspect you could be a good candidate for a dental crown, turn to Ed Struss Family Dentistry in Lexington, KY. Dr. Struss has been providing high-quality dental services for patients of all ages for more than 30 years. Browse through his comprehensive list of treatment options online or call (859) 278-7434 to schedule an appointment.