It usually takes two visits to fit a dental crown. A preliminary appointment sees the dentist prepare for the procedure, making sure that the tooth is ready to support the crown. The second stage is when the crown is fixed into position, being cemented on top of the existing tooth.
Both sessions involve several steps. Here we explain exactly what you can expect.
Initial checks
The first appointment provides the dentist an opportunity to check over dental health and make preparations for the treatment. X-rays may be taken to check the tooth structure and look for signs of any infection or injury that prevent the procedure.
Preparation and making the impression
The dentist will numb the teeth to be operated on, and the gum tissue around them. They will prepare the teeth by ensuring that each surface is the right size and shape for the crown. This may require filing down or building up individual teeth to the desired shape and size.
Once the teeth are ready, the dentist will take impressions so that the crowns can be made to fit. Multiple impressions may be taken to ensure that new crowns will fit in with your other teeth too. The impressions will be sent to a lab who will create the crowns.
Temporary crowns will be fitted to protect the teeth in between appointments.
Affixing the crown
At a second appointment, your crowns will be inserted. Once again, the teeth and surrounding gum will be numbed. The temporary crowns will be removed and the dentist will double-check the fit and colour of the new, permanent, crowns. The new crowns will be fixed onto the original teeth using a special adhesive.
Aftercare
The new crowns will be fixed onto the original teeth using a special adhesive.
Dental crowns will eventually feel and function like all other teeth. Crowns can be expected to last up to 15 years with proper oral hygiene, depending on the lifestyle of the patient.
There may be some sensitivity immediately after the appointment, and the dentist will advise whether or not any special products should be used. Occasionally a crown may chip, become loose, or fall off. In these circumstances, an appointment with a dental surgery should be made as soon as possible. It may be a simple fix, or could be a sign of an underlying problem with the tooth.
For more information about what a dental crown procedure entails, or your suitability, call 04 978 4964 or book an appointment online.