Dental crowns are a common and effective solution to restore the function, strength, and appearance of damaged or weakened teeth. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we follow a thorough and patient-centered process to prepare and place dental crowns, ensuring optimal results and long-lasting dental health.
Why Dental Crowns Are Needed
Crowns are recommended when a tooth is significantly decayed, fractured, or after root canal treatment to protect it from further damage. They also enhance the aesthetics of misshapen or discolored teeth and restore chewing function.
Understanding why you need a crown is the first step toward a successful treatment experience.
Initial Consultation and Examination
The dental crown process begins with a comprehensive examination. Our dentists assess the tooths condition through visual inspection, dental X-rays, and sometimes 3D imaging. This allows us to determine if a crown is the best treatment option and to plan the procedure carefully.
We discuss treatment goals, crown materials (such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal), and answer patient questions, ensuring informed decisions.
Tooth Preparation
Once the decision is made, the dentist prepares the tooth to receive the crown. This involves removing a portion of the tooths outer surface to create space for the crown to fit properly. The amount of tooth removed depends on the type of crown and the extent of damage.
To ensure patient comfort, local anesthesia is administered during this step.
Taking Precise Impressions
After preparation, accurate impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions are crucial for creating a crown that fits perfectly and blends naturally with your bite and smile.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we use digital scanning technology that provides detailed, comfortable, and quick impressions, eliminating the need for messy traditional molds.
Temporary Crown Placement
While your permanent crown is being custom-made in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown allows you to eat and speak normally and shields the tooth from sensitivity and damage.
We provide instructions on caring for your temporary crown to avoid dislodging or damage.
Crown Fabrication
Skilled dental technicians craft the permanent crown based on your impressions and specific requirements. They match the crowns shape, size, and color to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. The process typically takes one to two weeks.
Our use of advanced materials ensures durability and a natural look.
Final Crown Placement
During the final appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, bite, and aesthetics. Adjustments are made if necessary before the crown is securely cemented onto the tooth.
Our dentists ensure that the crown feels comfortable and functions well, restoring your smile and oral health.
Post-Placement Care and Follow-Up
After crown placement, we advise patients on maintaining excellent oral hygiene to prolong the life of their crown. Regular dental checkups are important to monitor the crown and surrounding teeth.
We also provide tips on avoiding habits like chewing hard objects that could damage the crown.