Dental crowns are a common solution to improve the look and function of a person’s teeth. Understanding the process from start to finish can help individuals make informed decisions about their dental care.
In this article, we will discuss the timeline for a dental crown procedure, including preparation, taking impressions, manufacturing, fitting, and aftercare.
We will also explore how long the entire process may take. With this information, individuals can make the best decisions for their dental health.
Overview of the Dental Crown Process
I will provide an overview of the dental crown process and explain the steps involved.
A dental crown is a permanent cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. It is typically used to treat a tooth that has become weak and vulnerable due to tooth decay or a root canal treatment. The crown can help protect the tooth from further damage and restore its shape and size.
The dental crown process typically involves three steps: getting a temporary crown, getting a custom crown, and getting a permanent crown.
The first step is getting a temporary crown. This involves taking an impression of the affected tooth and using it to create a temporary crown that is held in place with dental cement. This temporary crown will protect the tooth while the custom crown is being prepared.
The second step is getting a custom crown. This involves taking another impression of the tooth and using it to create a custom crown, which is made from ceramics, porcelain, or a combination of both. This crown is made to perfectly fit the affected tooth and blend in with the surrounding gum tissue.
The final step is getting a permanent crown. This involves the dentist using dental cement to affix the custom crown to the affected tooth. The permanent crown will help protect the tooth from further damage and restore its shape and size.
Overall, the dental crown process typically takes between two to three weeks to complete. During this time, the patient will need to visit the dentist multiple times and take care of their temporary crown until the custom and permanent crowns are ready.
Preparing for the Dental Crown Procedure
Preparing for the dental crown procedure is an important step in ensuring successful results. The dentist needs to assess the condition of the teeth and gums to determine if the patient is a good candidate for undergoing the procedure. If an individual has a dental implant or a dental bridge, the dentist may recommend a crown to provide extra support. If the patient has a weak tooth, the dentist may fit the tooth with a tooth-shaped cap to prevent further damage.
The dentist will also need to determine the type of crown that will best suit the patient’s needs. Metal crowns are usually used to strengthen decayed teeth, while porcelain and ceramic crowns are used to improve the appearance of the teeth. The dentist will also need to ask about the patient’s oral health to determine if there are any underlying issues that may affect the outcome of the procedure.
After the dentist has assessed the patient’s needs, he or she can provide instructions on how to prepare for the procedure properly. The patient may need to practice proper oral hygiene and follow a healthy diet to ensure the crown lasts for a long time. Additionally, the dentist can provide advice on how to take proper care of the crown and what to do in case of any complications.
With proper preparation, the dental crown procedure can be a successful and satisfying experience for the patient.
Taking Impressions of the Teeth
Before taking impressions of the teeth, the dentist will carefully evaluate the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums to ensure accurate results. These dental impressions are used to create a tooth crown that fits and functions like natural teeth. The type of material used to create the crown is based on several factors, including the condition of the patient’s natural teeth, the type of crown being placed, and the patient’s desire for a same-day crown. Metal alloys, such as gold or porcelain, are often used to create traditional crowns due to their strength and durability. Composite resin may also be used, which is a more aesthetic option but not as strong.
Digital impressions are now available, which allow the dentist to gather accurate images of the patient’s tooth structure without the need for traditional impressions. This type of technology can result in fewer dental visits, shorter appointment times, and more accurate fittings for the crown. The dentist will discuss with the patient which type of material is best for their needs and may take photos and impressions of the teeth to ensure the best fit.
Taking impressions of the teeth is an important step in the dental crown procedure and is necessary for creating a crown that fits and functions like natural teeth.
Manufacturing the Dental Crown
Once the impressions of the teeth have been taken, the next step in the dental crown procedure is manufacturing the crown. Dental professionals use a variety of materials to manufacture crowns, such as gold, porcelain, zirconia, and other metals. The materials used by the dental professional will depend on the patient’s needs and preferences.
After the material is chosen, the dental professional will use a milling machine to customize the crown to the prepared tooth. This process allows the crown to have a natural appearance and fit perfectly on the patient’s tooth.
Once the crown is completed, it is placed on the patient’s tooth with temporary cement. This temporary cement allows the dental professional to adjust the crown if needed. After adjustments are made, the crown is permanently cemented onto the patient’s tooth. This process will help the patient achieve their desired perfect smile.
Dental professionals use their expertise and knowledge to ensure that the crown fits perfectly and looks natural.
Fitting the Dental Crown
After the crown is manufactured, it must be fitted onto the patient’s tooth.
During the dental crown treatment, the entire tooth is prepared for the crown, and any remaining damaged teeth are replaced with filling material.
The dentist then takes an impression of the patient’s teeth to ensure a precise fit. The impression materials are sent to the lab to create the crown.
Once the crown is complete, the dentist fits it onto the tooth and ensures that the crown is the right size and shape. The dentist checks for a natural bite and ensures that the crown is a perfect colour match.
If necessary, the dentist may use computer-aided design to create a custom crown.
Once the crown is in place, the patient is advised to clean their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily.
With proper care, the dental crown will last for many years.
Aftercare for the Dental Crown
Proper care is essential for the long-term success of a dental crown, so it is important for patients to follow the aftercare instructions provided by their dentist. Dental offices typically recommend that patients with crowns maintain a regular schedule of visits to the office and perform additional oral hygiene habits at home. This will help avoid complications such as gum disease, broken teeth, and sensitive teeth. Depending on the crown type, replacement may be necessary over time. Traditional crowns require more frequent replacement than those made of metal structures.
When patients receive their crowns, they should be sure to ask their dentist any questions they may have about aftercare. The dentist can provide detailed instructions on how to protect the crown and keep it in good condition. Patients should also ask about any signs or symptoms that may indicate the need for a crown replacement. If a crown becomes loose or falls out, patients should contact their dentist as soon as possible to set up a single appointment to replace it.
Key Takeaways
The dental crown process is a complex one that requires a number of steps to ensure the crown fits properly and functions optimally.
The process starts with preparation and taking impressions of the teeth, followed by manufacturing and fitting the crown.
Aftercare is also important to ensure the crown lasts as long as possible.
With the right preparation and professional care, a dental crown can be a long-term solution for restoring the shape, strength, and appearance of a damaged or weakened tooth.
If you are looking for a reliable dental centre to help you with your dental crown needs, look no further than Robelle Dental Centre. Our experienced dentists in Springfield Central, QLD are dedicated to providing quality service, and we are committed to ensuring that your dental crown fits perfectly and lasts as long as possible. Visit us today to learn more about how we can help you.
