What is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown?

What is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a dental cap, is a common restorative treatment used to strengthen and protect a damaged or weakened tooth. Whether you need a crown due to decay, injury, or even cosmetic imperfections, they offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring the form and function of a weakened tooth.

At Ringway Dental, we know how understanding the procedure for getting a dental crown is essential for patients that are considering the process. Ensuring our patients are fully aware of the treatments they’re thinking about is just one of the ways we do our best to help those seeking to improve their oral health and enhance their smile.

In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process involved in getting a dental crown, right from the initial preparation of the tooth to the final fitting and aftercare tips. By gaining insight into each stage of the procedure, we know patients can make informed decisions about their dental treatment and feel confident in the outcome.

Preparing the Tooth

The fitting for a dental crown typically involves a two-step process. During the first appointment, our dental team will assess the condition of your tooth and prepare it for the crown. This involves the careful removal of any decayed, damaged, or weakened parts of the tooth. We do this to ensure a stable foundation for the crown to adhere to once it’s ready. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect from your first dental crown appointment:

1. Assessment is the first step of any dental crown procedure. This involves taking any x-rays to determining how far the decay or damage has gone within the tooth, and how much therefore needs to be removed.
2. Removal of decay from the tooth is carefully done by our expert team to ensure we leave you with as much of your natural tooth as possible, whilst also getting rid of all the decay. To do this, we may use specialist instruments to drill away any decayed tissue.
3. Shaping of the tooth is often required before the final crown can be fitted. In most cases this simply involves making the tooth smaller so the cap can secure itself with a snug fit.
4. Taking impressions of the tooth is a vital step here, as without them your dentist wouldn’t be able to create and make your bespoke crown. We send your custom impressions to the dental lab that will skilfully create your final crown before delivering it to us.
5. Placement of a temporary crown is offered by many dentists, so you won’t have to wait without a crown while your final piece is being manufactured. This won’t be as strong or sturdy as the crown you will eventually have fitted, but does offer a good in-between option for temporary wear.

Fitting the Crown

Your final crown will be ready within two weeks, during which which we’ll get in touch to book you in for an appointment if we haven’t already. At your second appointment, we’ll be fitting the crown for you. This involves the following:

1. Removing the temporary crown will not involve any pain, as it is a non-invasive procedure that will be done within a minute or so.
2. Evaluating the fit of your new crown on the readily-prepared tooth is the next step, so we can ensure we’re getting the exact measurements for a precise fit against your existing tooth structure.
3. Matching the shade of your existing tooth is an important step, as we like to leave our patients with a subtle upgrade.
4. Fit and bite checks are vital in ensuring you leave our surgery with a customised and comfortable fit.
5. Any necessary adjustments are made using special dental instruments. Again, this may involve drilling or trimming the crown while you wait.
6. Cementing the crown is next, where we’ll ensure the crown is securely bonded to the prepared tooth using specialist dental cement.
7. A thorough polish and clean is the final step, so we can make sure any excess dental cement is cleared up before you leave. We’ll also polish the crown and tooth to make sure you have a nice, smooth surface that won’t feel strange in your mouth.

Aftercare

Your dentist will provide you with all the aftercare advice you need before you leave the surgery after your fitting. Here are a few of the key takeaways to note before treatment:

• Some sensitivity might last a couple of days as the tooth settles. This can be treated using over-the-counter pain relief.
• Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for the first few days due to the heightened chance of sensitivity.
• Abstain from risky sports or activities that may dislodge the crown for the first week or so. The dental cement we use is exceptionally strong, but not invincible.
• Take care with any changes to the feel, fit or level of discomfort you feel with your new crown. Don’t just assume everything is going well without a check-up.
• Make sure you book and attend regular check-ups with your dentist. They can help provide ongoing advice so you can enjoy your new smile for longer!

If at any point after your crown has been fitted you feel you need additional care or tips, get in touch with our team on 0161 437 2029.

Is a Dental Crown Right for Me?

Before deciding a dental crown is absolutely the right choice for your smile, it’s important to consider every possible avenue. Dental crowns aren’t the only restorative solution for damaged or weakened teeth, and there may be another more suitable option depending on your overall oral health and circumstances.

Dental Crown Experts at Ringway Dental

With expert fitting, aftercare and regular check-ups, dental crowns can last longer than 15 years!

If this guide has helped you determine if a dental crown is right for you, get in touch with us on 0161 437 2029 or via our online contact form.

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