A dental crown procedure typically requires two dental visits. The first visit allows our dentist to assess the scope of work needed, and the second visit is for the installation of your new crowns.
Tooth crowns are among the most needed and requested dental solutions. They are very versatile and can be used to solve a myriad of dental issues such as cracks, chips, tooth decay and also strengthening after root canals. Getting a tooth crown is not complicated, and the procedure is pretty much routine for our dentist in Vancouver, BC.
A typical procedure will require two dental visits. After you and your dentist have determined that you need a crown, the first visit is to prepare the tooth and take a scan of the tooth in order for your crown to be fabricated. The second visit is usually for the installation of your new crowns.
But before we delve into the dental crown procedure, you need to note that you may need a root canal treatment before getting the crown. Secondly, you may need temporary crowns between the two visits to protect the teeth.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
You may need a dental crown if you have a large cavity that’s too big for a filling. Crowns are also recommended following a root canal, as the tooth becomes more fragile and needs protection. Additionally, if you’re missing a tooth and need a dental bridge or implant, a crown may be required.
Other reasons that you might need a dental crown:
- Strengthening a weak tooth
- Protecting and supporting a cracked tooth
- Restoring a worn-down or broken tooth
- Covering a severely stained or discolored tooth
- Strengthening tooth structure after several large fillings
A crown fits onto your whole tooth like a cap and can be made out of resin, metal, or porcelain to restore and protect your tooth.
The Typical Dental Crown Procedure
Getting dental crowns near you is easy and is usually done in two appointments, unless you are opting for CEREC same-day crowns. Plus, the procedure is painless; thanks to local anesthesia, you will not feel a thing.
So, let’s get to it.
The First Visit
The first visit will entail the following:
The Consultation
The procedure will commence with a discussion. Our dentist will talk with you about your preferences, needs, goals, habits, medical history, and any other dental issues. Collecting this information is vital as it helps our dentist understand how to conduct the procedure safely and effectively to meet your needs.
Therefore, you can take this chance to reveal anything useful, such as diseases, allergies, and even medications you take (prescription and non-prescription). This is also when to discuss what type of crown you wish to have that will work for you. You can choose tooth-colored options such as porcelain or metallic options such as gold tooth caps.
The Assessment
Our dentist will check your gums, teeth, and overall oral health at this stage. Our team may need to take one or several x-rays to aid in the evaluation of the tooth. The dentist will determine whether there’s a need to perform extra procedures or if there is extensive tooth decay that warrants a different solution. If everything checks out, the dentist can proceed to prep the tooth or teeth.
The Reshaping
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, our dentist will begin filing the tooth to reshape it. Reshaping involves removing parts of the tooth, making it smaller to create space for the crown. Since enamel is removed during this process, the procedure is irreversible as enamel cannot grow back.
Molding
Our dentist uses a digital scan and sometimes an impression tray to make a mold of the tooth that needs a crown and the adjacent teeth. The scan or mold is sent to the lab to create customized crowns that will fit perfectly in your mouth. Your Dentist will assist you in selecting the color of your dental crown since it needs to match the exact shade of your surrounding teeth using a shade guide. If there is a mismatch, either too dark or too bright, the crown will look unnatural.
The Temporary Crown
Our dentist will then fit you with a temporary crown and send you home to wait for your permanent crown. The temporary crown protects your reshaped tooth and covers the space created when part of the tooth was filed down. Our dentist will inform you how to handle the temporary crown, as there may be some discomfort after the procedure.
The Second Visit
When your dental crowns are ready, our dentist in Vancouver, BC, will inform you that you may come in for the second visit. Here’s what happens:
Inspection
Our dentist will inspect the crowns to ascertain whether they fit perfectly, shape-wise and color-wise. If they aren’t perfect, our dentist will send them back. If they are excellent, our dentist will remove the temporary crown.
Disinfection
Our dentist will disinfect the area to remove bacteria that might be stuck on the tooth while wearing the temporary crown. This is an essential step since it curbs the chance of developing cavities.
Installation
Dental cement is used as a bonding agent between the crown and natural teeth. Then, the teeth will be exposed to ultraviolet light to cure the cement. Our dentist will ascertain that the crown is secured, just like you have a brand new crown.
See how simple the process is? If you have cracks, fractures, a root canal treated tooth or any other dental concerns that require a crown, reach out to Enhance Dental Centre to schedule your appointment today.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, and the best option for you will depend on your preference and oral health needs.
- Metal Crowns: They are made from metals like gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. They rarely chip or break, last long, and require the least amount of enamel reduction. They also handle biting and chewing forces well. The major disadvantage is their metallic color, making them suitable only for posterior teeth that are not highly visible.
- Pressed Ceramic Crowns: Pressed ceramic crowns have a hard ceramic core with layers of porcelain. They resemble your original teeth more than others but can chip over time. Dentists use these for either front or back teeth.
- All-Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns: All-ceramic crowns closely resemble natural tooth enamel and are ideal for patients with metal allergies. They are usually made with zirconium dioxide, a very tough material that is gentle on other teeth, minimizing enamel wear and tear.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM): PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. Your dentist can match their color to your other teeth. While they are strong, the porcelain covering can chip off, revealing the metal underneath. PFM crowns may also wear down the enamel of opposing teeth. They last nearly as long as metal crowns and can be used for both front and back teeth.
- Same-Day Dental Crowns: Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology (computer-aided design and manufacturing) to make crowns in their office while you wait. The procedure involves taking digital impressions of your teeth, designing the crown on the computer, and then milling the crown from a solid piece of ceramic. The main benefit of CAD/CAM technology is that you can get a dental crown in one visit. However, same-day crowns may not be suitable for everyone. Check with your dentist to see if you qualify.
- All-Resin Crowns: All-resin crowns are usually cheaper but tend to be more fragile and more likely to break. They are most often used for temporary crowns and typically last three to five years.
Conclusion
The dental crown procedure is a proven method for restoring teeth that are damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised. Every step involved in the procedure, right from examination and preparation to the final placement of the custom-made crown, has been properly thought through.
This not only restores your teeth in full function but also brings back the look of your smile for durability and comfort over the long term.
At Enhance Dental Centre, we pay the most personal and caring attention in all dental crown procedures. Highly trained professionals employing advanced techniques, materials and technology assure you the best possible result in every treatment.
If you are considering a dental crown or any other restorative treatment, please contact us today to arrange your consultation with us. Let our caring team help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!
FAQs
1. How painful is a dental crown procedure?
Getting a dental crown might cause some discomfort, but it usually isn’t painful because local anesthesia is used during the procedure.
2. Do they numb you for a crown?
During your first visit, the dentist will numb the nearby teeth and gums around the tooth receiving the crown so you won’t feel anything. They will also remove any old fillings or decay from the tooth and reshape your tooth to get it ready for the crown.
3. How long does dental crown preparation take?
The process of preparing a dental crown takes 60-90 minutes per tooth. It starts with an initial exam and X-rays, followed by tooth preparation, which can take 30-45 minutes depending on the damage and crown material. Scans or impressions are taken to create a custom crown, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. If a permanent crown isn’t made, a temporary crown is placed, which takes an additional 5-10 minutes.
4. Does a crown go below the gum line?
Yes, in some cases, a dental crown may extend slightly below the gum line, depending on the specific condition of the tooth being treated. The margin of the crown is where the crown meets the tooth, usually at or just below the gum line. If the margin is closed, the crown fits tightly around the tooth.
