Dental crowns have become a vital part of modern dentistry and are used in a variety of different situations. They help to protect decay-weakened teeth, can restore damaged and worn teeth, help to keep dental bridges firmly in place, provide the finishing touch for dental implants, and are often used to achieve cosmetic improvements. They also come in a variety of forms, including resin, metal, and the popular ceramic or porcelain option. However, many patients who can benefit from crowns know little to nothing about what to expect from this dental procedure. Here’s what you need to know:
The Process Generally Requires Two Visits
Unlike many dental procedures, the placement of a crown requires two appointments. That’s because several things need to happen before the crown can be successfully attached to the tooth or implant. First, the tooth will need to be properly prepped to accept the crown. Then, imprints of the tooth are made so that the permanent crown can be constructed. Basically, the first appointment takes care of the prep work, and the crown gets installed during the follow-up visit.
The Tooth Needs to Be Prepared First
There are many things that need to be done before your tooth will be ready for crown placement. Naturally, your teeth will need to be inspected to make sure that you have a solid base for crown attachment. Without that anchor, your crown will fail. As a rule, that means that you either have to have an existing implant anchor or enough healthy tooth to support the implant. Once that anchor is confirmed, the dentist may have to file or otherwise shape the tooth to ensure proper bonding. Cracks or other damage will need to be fixed prior to crown placement.
Temporary Crowns Come First
Your dentist will also need to make an imprint of the tooth during that first visit. That imprint will be used to create the permanent crown at a lab. Meanwhile, the dentist will ensure that you have a temporary crown in place while you wait for that all-important final visit and permanent crown installation.
During the second Visit…
Your second visit will be where the final magic happens. Your dentist will check to ensure that the permanent crown will properly fit your tooth, and then remove the temporary crown. Once that process is complete, he or she will use quick-acting adhesive to install the permanent crown, provide you with important aftercare instructions, and answer any questions that you may have.
Obviously, this is a more detailed process than any simple cavity fill or dental cleaning. However, your new crown will provide a long-lasting solution that enhances your beautiful smile while restoring your dental function for years and even decades to come. That makes them one of the best solutions for many different dental needs, and an important part of the tooth restoration process. To learn more about the dental crown procedure, contact the best dentist in midtown Manhattan at Ebenezer Dental today.
