Have To Get A Dental Crown? How The Process Works
If you have to get a dental crown, you may be wondering what is going to happen at your appointment. If so, below is information on how this process works. This will help you feel much better because you will know what to expect at your appointment.
Decide on the Material
There are different types of materials that can be used when a dental crown is made in a lab. These materials include porcelain, metal, composite resin, and ceramic. What determines the material depends on many factors.
Your tooth's location is one thing the dentist will use to determine the best type of material. If the crown will not be seen, such as if it is in the back of your mouth, metal may be used. If the crown will be seen, the dentist something like ceramic, porcelain, or composite resin. This is because these materials can be shaded to match your natural teeth, so the crown blends in with your tooth. This makes the crown much less noticeable.
Procedure Used for a Dental Crown
The dentist will first take x-rays of the tooth that they are placing the crown on. The dentist will also make a mold of the tooth before the crown is created. This is to ensure the crown fits properly when it is placed over the tooth. Before the mold is made, the dentist files down the tooth. This is not painful, but you will have a metal taste in your mouth during the process. Once the dentist finishes filing, they will use a special material that they will place in your mouth. The dentist will ask you to bite down. This makes an impression of the tooth.
The dentist will then place a temporary crown over the tooth. This will protect the tooth until the new crown arrives. You will have to be careful with a temporary crown because it can fall off. This includes not chewing on the side the temporary crown is on and be very careful when brushing your teeth. You also need to stay away from sticky foods.
When the dentist receives the crown, you will be asked to come in. The crown is then cemented over the tooth. The doctor will ask you to bite down after the crown is in place to make sure your bite is correct. There are some cases where the crown may be a little too large and the dentist will have to file it down.
Your dentist can give you much more information about the dental crown procedure.