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The Process for Tooth Crowns

Dental crowns are artificial teeth, also known as caps, that a dentist places over broken or aging teeth to protect them. Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes to cover discolored or misshapen teeth. They can be made of metal, resin, ceramic or a porcelain-metal combination. Depending on the circumstances, the crown can be either permanent or temporary. Your dentist will choose the best crown for you.

  1. The Pre-Crown Examination

    • The dental crown procedure generally takes place in two separate visits to the dentist. During the first visit, you may receive x-rays of your teeth to ensure that there is no damage to the root of the tooth. Depending on the condition of the tooth's interior, you may need to receive a root canal before the crown can be placed. Next, your dentist will start to prepare your tooth for the crown.

    Preparing the Tooth

    • Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the gums and area around the tooth the dentist is capping. The sides and chewing surface of your tooth will be filed down to help even out the shape of the tooth and create a base for the crown. Certain crowns will require more filing than others because of their thickness. Impression paste is then be pressed into your tooth. This will be used to shape the dental crown to ensure a perfect fit. Once the impression is done, your dentist will place a temporary crown onto your tooth to prevent any damage to the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

    Making Your Crown

    • The impression that your dentist makes in the office is sent to a laboratory. This special lab makes dental fittings and fixtures. The lab will make the crown to fit the shape and size of the impression. It will also follow any other specifications that your dentist has outlined for the crown, such as shade. It will take the lab about two to three weeks to finish the crown and return it to your dentist's office.

    The Crown is Applied

    • Once your crown is ready, you will return to your dentist's office. He will remove the temporary crown from your tooth and replace it with the permanent crown. Your dentist will then tell you how to care for your crown. There are certain foods that you shouldn't eat, like sticky or hard foods, because they can damage or remove the crown. Your dentist will also talk to you about potential problems that can occur with crowns, such as allergic reactions. As long as you care for your crown properly, it should last for 5 to 15 years.

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