A Comprehensive Guide to Receiving a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are one of the most popular and effective restorations dentists use to restore and protect damaged teeth. They are tooth-shaped caps that cover your natural, damaged tooth. While the procedure is performed in two appointments, it is relatively straightforward and involves little to no discomfort.

Types of dental crowns

Several types of dental crowns are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. However, here are three of the most common the dentist will consider:

Porcelain crowns

These dental crowns are the most popular choice due to their natural-looking appearance. The dentist can design them to closely match the color and transparency of the patient's surrounding natural teeth. They are fabricated by bonding layers of porcelain material to a metal structure, providing durability.

Ceramic crowns

While ceramic dental crowns are similar to porcelain in appearance, they mimic natural teeth more closely. They consist entirely of ceramic materials, providing a more durable option. Ceramic crowns are also a better fit for those with metal allergies.

Metal crowns

Metal crowns consist of gold, platinum, or base metal alloys and are known for their strength and durability. They can easily withstand chewing forces and are typically reserved for damaged molars (teeth in the back of the mouth).

First appointment

The first appointment in this process is the longest, taking an hour or more. The first step is thoroughly examining the health and sustainability of the tooth requiring the crown. If necessary, the dentist may order X-rays to receive a clear picture of the tooth's root and surrounding structures. This will better help the dentist during the preparation process. To prepare the tooth, the dentist will first numb the patient using a local anesthetic. This prevents discomfort while keeping the patient alert. Once numb, the dentist will use special tools to remove the decayed or fragile portions of the tooth before shaping it to accommodate the crown.

The next two steps will move fairly quickly; they involve the impressions and a temporary crown. Once the tooth is prepped, the dentist or dental assistant will take impressions (molds) of it and the surrounding teeth. The impressions will be sent to an off-site lab where a technician will fabricate the crown from the chosen material. This part of the process takes approximately two weeks to complete. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary crown on the patient's vulnerable tooth for protection.

Second appointment

The second appointment is the quickest, usually taking at most thirty minutes. Once the dental office receives the permanent crown, the patient will return to have it placed. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and carefully position the permanent crown over the prepared tooth. They will ensure the proper fit, check the bite alignment, and make any necessary adjustments. Once the patient and dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, they will use a permanent cement to bond it around the tooth. Throughout this appointment, the dentist will explain the aftercare and maintenance instructions to help ensure the dental crown lasts for many years to come.