Get Ready for the Royal Treatment: How Dentists Prepare Teeth for Crowns

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you may be a little confused about what to expect from treatment. After all, this procedure is a little different than your average filling. Thankfully, though getting a crown is a bit more involved, it’s very common and is nothing to worry about. Here’s what you can expect to happen when you get this royal treatment!

What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?

The first thing that will happen when you get settled in the dental chair at your crown appointment is that your dentist will numb your tooth and its surrounding area, so you are completely comfortable during treatment.

Next, your dental team will make an impression of your tooth so that the lab can use it to create your custom crown. Great care will be taken to ensure that the color, shape, and size of the prosthetic blend seamlessly in with the rest of your smile.

Once the impressions have been made, your dentist will remove the damaged portion of the enamel from the tooth, leaving only healthy enamel behind. The tooth will be reshaped so the crown will fit comfortably on top. Once complete, you will receive a temporary crown to use until the real one is delivered from the lab. This typically takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, be extremely careful with your temporary crown, as it could come loose when flossing or eating anything too sticky or crunchy.

When your new crown is ready, it will be sent to your dentist’s office, and you’ll return to have it cemented in place. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown at this time. This portion of treatment should not hurt or require any numbing, and once your new crown is in place, you should be able to resume your normal activities and go show off your beautiful, improved smile!

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Now that you have a dental crown, it’s important to take good care of it so it lasts as long as possible. To that end, please be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Never use your crown to chew anything other than food. Do not use it to tear open packaging, bite your fingernails, or gnaw on pen caps.
• Brush and floss around your crown just as you would your natural teeth but be careful that you don’t get your floss caught underneath it.
• You can clean your crown using the same toothpaste and brush that you use for the rest of your smile; however, it is recommended that you use for a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste if you don’t already. Please note that whitening toothpaste will not work on restorations, so if your crown becomes discolored, reach out to your dentist for help.

With proper maintenance and use, you can expect your crown to last for up to ten or more years, so be sure to follow the tips above, and visit your dentist for your regular preventive cleanings and exams. These are a great way for your him or her to monitor the condition of your smile, and your brand-new restoration!

About Dr. Walker

Dr. Zack Walker earned his undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He then completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program in Elizabeth City through the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.  To schedule an appointment for a dental crown, please visit our website or call us today at 336-993-3727.