A dental crown is a strong and sturdy restoration that can preserve a damaged tooth, enhance your smile’s appearance, and provide you with reliable function for many years. If your dentist has informed you that you need one, you may rightly be curious about the road ahead. Just what is involved in the dental crown preparation process, and what does it feel like? This blog post explains.
Modifying Your Tooth
In order to prepare your tooth for a dental crown, your dentist will have to modify it. This step is crucial because it creates the necessary shape and structure for the crown to fit securely and harmonize with your natural bite.
In order to prep your tooth, your dentist may remove a small amount of its enamel and possibly adjust the underlying structure (depending on the extent of damage or decay). The goal is to create a base that can support the crown’s function and longevity.
While the idea of getting your tooth modified might sound intimidating, there is no reason to be anxious. Your dentist will use advanced tools and techniques to sculpt the tooth efficiently while minimizing discomfort. For example, they should apply plenty of local anesthesia, which blocks pain signals. Although you might notice some mild pressure as your dental team works, you should not experience any extreme discomfort.
Once the local anesthesia wears off, your tooth may be sensitive and sore for a few days. However, this is usually mild and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medications and a modified diet.
Do You Need a Temporary Crown?
After the tooth is prepared, the traditional crown process requires the placement of a temporary restoration to protect the modified tooth while a dental laboratory creates a permanent crown. Temporary crowns are very useful, but their appearance, fit, and function may not be ideal.
However, not all dental practices require patients to use temporary crowns. Some dentists have in-office technology, such as CAD/CAM systems, that enables them to design and manufacture crowns on the same day. These systems use digital imaging to create highly accurate models of the tooth, allowing dentists to fabricate and install crowns during a single appointment. This innovation eliminates the need for a temporary crown and expedites the restoration process.
Speak with Your Dentist
Getting a dental crown can seem like a big deal, so if you have questions about the road ahead, feel free to talk to your dentist during your next appointment. You can ask for specifics about the technology they use and how they plan to make you comfortable. Once your permanent crown is in place, you can start smiling with confidence again!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Vrajesh Shah is an experienced prosthodontist (dentist who specializes in dental prosthetics) who has been working in his field for decades. He has a special enthusiasm for advanced instruments and techniques, so our practice is pleased to use same-day crown technology. To find out more about the crown process, contact Edison Prosthodontics at 732-943-1709.