Getting Ready for Coronation Day: How Do Dentists Prepare Teeth for Crowns?

A dental crown can restore a tooth to its original appearance and save it from extraction after injury or severe decay. They are incredibly common restorations in part because they are so durable and versatile. They can last for up to twenty years with proper maintenance, and modern dentistry allows them to appear completely natural and be placed in one visit through CEREC technology. If you have a dental crown appointment coming up, here’s what you can expect from the procedure.

How Is a Tooth Prepared for a Dental Crown?

Your dentist will take the following steps to prepare your tooth to receive a dental crown:

1. A dental crown begins with a local anesthetic that allows the patient to remain comfortable and responsive throughout the whole procedure.
2. Your dentist will remove any damaged or decayed tissue from your teeth. This will preserve the health of the remaining structure by cleaning away any remaining bacteria.
3. Your dentist will clean and disinfect all surfaces of the tooth to prevent further bacterial growth.
4. Your tooth will be filled and sealed with a special dental material called gutta-percha, eliminating the possibility of further infections.
5. Your dentist will smooth the surfaces of the tooth with special instruments.

How Is a Dental Crown Placed?

CEREC technology makes receiving a dental crown a quick and simple procedure that can be done in about two to four hours during a single visit. The process includes the following steps:

1. Your dentist will take 3D scans of your mouth to provide the data needed to manufacture your crown.
2. Your crown will be milled down from a block of ceramic based on the data provided from the scans.
3. Your dentist will use dental cement to fix your crown in place on top of the treated tooth. The process will be painless due to the local anesthetic.

What Is Aftercare Like for a Dental Crown?

While the whole process should involve no pain due to the local anesthetic, you may experience some discomfort for a few weeks after the procedure. This should be temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you still experience pain or discomfort after a couple of weeks, contact your dentist to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Even if you already have dental crowns, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist about what to expect before your appointment. Taking good care of your dental crown is the best way to maximize its lifespan so that it can continue to serve you for up to two decades.

About the Practice

Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry has been providing the best dental care available in Lynchburg, VA since 1980. Led by Drs. James M. Peery III, Samuel E. Woolwine III, and James M. Peery Jr., the staff delivers comprehensive oral health services in a friendly and comfortable environment. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crown treatments. For more information on what to expect during your dental crown appointment, contact the office online or dial (434) 847-5331.