The Dental Crown Placement Process

Getting a dental crowns is a seamless procedure that is done in dental offices every day. There are various reasons to get a dental crown, which will determine how the procedure goes. In general, there are a few key steps that are part of getting a crown placed.

A guide to getting a dental crown

Outlined here are each of the steps to getting a dental crown placed. This information may be helpful to those who are preparing for an upcoming appointment.

1. Preparation

To start, the general dentist will prepare the oral cavity. Numbing agents will be administered into the cheek and gums surrounding the tooth requiring the dental crown.

Next, a guard will be placed in the oral cavity to keep the patient from closing their jaw. Cotton pads may also be placed to keep extra saliva from getting in the way. 

2. Removal of damaged parts

Using a dental drill, the damaged parts of the tooth will be carefully and gently removed. If the tooth is not decayed but simply damaged from a crack or chip, drilling will not likely be necessary. Instead, the tooth will simply be smoothed out to avoid rough surfaces. 

3. Cleaning out

If the tooth has been drilled, the dentist will also clean out the inner cavity. This is important in order to remove any bacteria or residue that could cause discomfort or infection later. 

4. Filling the tooth

Next, a dental material called gutta-percha is used to fill the tooth if there is an open space. Filling the space is important because it keeps the insides of the tooth safe and secure before the dental crown is placed. 

5. Taking impressions

Once the tooth has been filled, the dentist will take a quick impression of the tooth using a mold. This impression is then sent to the dental lab for the permanent dental crown. 

6. Crown placement

After the impression is taken for the permanent dental crown, the general dentist will place a temporary crown, which is made of composite resin. This is a dental material that is used for bonding, fillings, and other restorations. The temporary crown will be slightly cemented to keep it secure for a couple of weeks while the permanent piece is made. 

The patient will return home, being advised to not eat anything sticky or hard for a few days. Any discomfort should subside or can be addressed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. 

7. Permanent crown placement

The last and final step of getting a dental crown is having the permanent piece placed. After a couple of weeks, the patient will return to have their permanent crown placed on the tooth. The temporary will be removed and thrown away. The replacement will be cemented into place, making for a complete dental restoration. 

Find out more about getting a dental crown

When preparing for getting a dental crown, it can be helpful to talk directly with a general dentist. Reach out today to find out more or to get scheduled for an appointment. 

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.