Have you suffered structural damage to your tooth? Your dentist can restore the function and appearance of a vulnerable tooth with a dental crown. This ceramic cap covers an affected tooth, shielding it from further harm and preserving the look and feel of your smile.
You may feel nervous about pending dental work, but you can feel more comfortable if you understand what will occur during this procedure. To alleviate any dental fear, Our dentist located in Laurel, MD, lists the steps that your dental professional will employ when providing restorative treatment with a dental crown.
Designing a Custom-Made Crown
Dentists construct dental crowns based on the size, color, and shape of a dental patient natural teeth. This way, the crown can fit comfortably and blend well while enhancing a patient smile.
Your dentist builds a crown according to an impression of the affected tooth, which is generated through digital imaging or using a mold. The dentist will create the crown in a dental laboratory, and it may take a few weeks to construct. Your dentist can provide you with a temporary crown while your personalized permanent cap is being made if needed.
Preparing Your Vulnerable Tooth
When your crown is ready, you will return to your dentist office to have the permanent dental crown placed over your tooth. The dentist will begin by giving you a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Then the dentist will prepare your tooth by scraping away a minute amount of enamel, the surface of your tooth, to make room for the ceramic cap. If you are receiving a temporary crown, your dentist may have already completed this step of the process.
Securing Your Permanent Crown in Place
With your tooth prepared, your dentist will carefully cover the tooth with the permanent porcelain crown. The dentist seals the crown into its position using dental cement.
If you maintain good oral health habits and take care of your crown, you can experience restorative benefits from this treatment for fifteen years. You should ensure that you avoid abnormally high levels of pressure on your teeth and dental work, as this could cause the dental crown to dislodge or break.
A broken dental crown is considered a dental emergency, and you should contact your dentist for prompt treatment. You may need a new crown, but your dentist can offer a temporary composite resin crown to alleviate uncomfortable side effects and provide protection for the tooth in the meantime.
Dental Crown Procedures Available in Laurel, MD
Laurel Smile Dental Care provides dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Laurel, MD. Dr. Cooper also specializes in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including both preventative and emergency dental care, for patients of all ages. If you feel nervous about upcoming dental work, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry options. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 301.200.1315 or reach our staff online.