Riverside, CA Dentist | What to Expect From Your Dental Crown Procedure

Dental crown procedures are recommend to patients mainly because of the reasons: First, is that you have a weak tooth that requires a bridge or something else to hold it together; second is if you have a tooth has already been so discolored that it can no longer be fixed through conventional means; the third is simply for cosmetic reasons.

Regardless of which of the three categories you fall into, you’ll most likely have to choose the type of crown you want placed on your teeth.

The most common choices are resin and stainless steel. Though, cosmetic crowns are often made out of porcelain or ceramic.

It’s important that you take the time to do research on the pros and cons of each type, as well as ask your dentist to make a recommendation based on what is best for your teeth’s specific situation.

The Procedure

Installing a dental crown should only take two visits – first for installation of the temporary crown and the second for the placement of the permanent one.

During the initial visit, the dentist will examine the problem tooth and make sure that it is still able to support a crown. After this, the dentist will begin filing it down in preparation of the crown. Though, in cases of severely damaged and broken teeth, the dentists may have to fill the tooth in first so that it’s large enough for the crown to fit in.

Once the dentist has finished filing or filling the tooth, the dentist will then take an impression of the tooth and its surroundings. This impression will then be sent to a dental lab where a permanent crown will be made according to its measurements.

Since the permanent crown will take some time to finish, your tooth will be fitted with a temporary crown that will help protect it and keep it in shape until the permanent crown is ready for placement.

Caring For A Temporary Crown

Because they weren’t built to last for more than a few weeks, you will have to take extra care of your temporary crown.

Dentists will usually suggest a few precautionary tips before sending you off, including:

• Staying away from sticky, as well as chewy foods as much as possible because they can grab and pull off the crown.
• Make a conscious effort to chew on the side of your mouth where the temporary crown was not fitted.
• Hard food, such as bones, raw vegetables, etc.  can break the crown and should be avoided.
• When flossing, try to do it to the side rather than lifting it out. This way, you won’t pull off the temporary crown by accident.

The Second Visit

Your dentist will notify you once the permanent crown is finished and ready. By then, you will have your second visit, where the temporary crown is removed and the dentist will then position, as well as fasten the permanent crown. To do this, dentists will use a special adhesive and take extra care to make sure that the crown is placed properly.

Once placed and everything is taken care of, the dentist will send you off along with a few necessary tips and advises.

Do remember that crowned teeth require as much care as normal teeth, so don’t forget to brush and floss regularly, rinse using an antibacterial mouthwash, and of course, visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning.

If you feel you could benefit from a dental crown or would like to schedule an appointment call the office of Gerald Middleton DDS at (951) 688-3442. Learn more about his practice by visiting his website at www.gmdental.com.