Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed to cover damaged or weakened teeth. By fully encasing the visible part of the tooth, they provide essential protection and enhanced durability. They are commonly recommended when teeth are cracked, worn down, or require additional support after large fillings. They also offer an effective way to improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth, blending naturally with the existing smile.
Getting a dental crown involves several important steps that work together to achieve the desired result. The process begins with an initial consultation, where your dentist assesses the tooth’s condition and discusses suitable dental crown materials. This is followed by tooth preparation, taking dental impressions, and placing a temporary crown while the custom one is crafted. The final fitting and aftercare also play vital roles, contributing to the crown’s long-term performance.
In this blog, we will walk you through every step of the dental crown procedure. From the first consultation to the final placement, you’ll discover what to expect at each stage. We’ll also cover aftercare advice to help maintain the crown’s functional and aesthetic benefits over time.
Content Navigation
- 1 Summary of The Content
- 2 Initial Consultation and Dental X-ray
- 3 Choosing the Right Material
- 4 Preparing the Tooth for Dental Crown Treatment
- 5 Placing a Temporary Restoration
- 6 Fabricating the Crown
- 7 Dental Crown Placement: Fitting the Final Crown
- 8 Cementing the Crown
- 9 Post-treatment Dental Care
- 10 Follow-up visits
- 11 Final Thoughts
Summary of The Content
- The dental crown procedure begins with an initial consultation to evaluate oral health and confirm if a crown is appropriate.
- Dental or digital X-rays are taken to assess the extent of decay, damage, and the condition of surrounding structures.
- The dentist and patient discuss suitable crown materials, considering the tooth’s position and the desired natural appearance.
- The dentist removes decayed areas and reshapes the tooth before taking impressions with a putty-like material or digital scanner.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the reshaped tooth while the custom crown is made.
- Dental technicians fabricate the crown in a laboratory, with the timeline depending on the material chosen and laboratory availability.
- The temporary crown is removed, and the final crown is fitted, checked for proper bite and comfort, and secured with dental cement.
- Patients receive aftercare instructions, and follow-up visits are scheduled to assess the crown’s fit and make adjustments if needed.
Initial Consultation and Dental X-ray
The dental crown procedure begins with an initial consultation. The dentist evaluates overall oral health to determine if a crown is a suitable treatment option. During this stage, they review the patient’s dental history and examine the affected tooth to assess its condition. This evaluation helps identify whether a dental crown is necessary to restore strength, function, and appearance.
To gain a clearer understanding of the tooth’s condition, dental or digital X-rays are taken. They reveal the extent of decay and damage and the health of surrounding structures, including the tooth’s roots and jawbone. Depending on the assessment, treatment may involve placing a crown on an existing tooth or attaching it to a dental implant.
Choosing the Right Material
Using the right material for a dental crown is essential for achieving both durability and a natural appearance. The dentist and patient will discuss suitable options based on the tooth’s position, its function, and the desired aesthetic outcome. Each material has specific benefits and is commonly used for particular teeth depending on strength and visibility requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ceramic:
Ceramic crowns provide a natural look with exceptional colour matching, suitable for front or visible teeth. They are also a good option for individuals with allergic reactions to metals. - Metal Alloys:
Metal crowns, which are often made from gold, platinum, or base metal alloys, are highly durable and ideal for molars. Although strong, they lack a natural tooth colour, making them less suitable for visible teeth. - Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM):
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a natural tooth-like appearance with the strength of a metal base. They are suitable for front and back teeth but may show a dark line at the gum line over time.
Preparing the Tooth for Dental Crown Treatment
To create a stable foundation and achieve a proper fit, the tooth must undergo careful preparation before placing the crown. This stage focuses on removing any damaged areas and reshaping the tooth so that the crown fits securely and functions properly. Each step is performed with precision to support the crown’s durability and natural appearance.
Removing Decayed and Weakened Parts
This step involves removing any damaged areas of the tooth to prevent further decay and provide a stable base for the crown. Here’s an overview:
- The dental professional numbs the surrounding area with a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during the dental procedure.
- Special tools, such as dental drills, are used to carefully remove decayed sections of the tooth.
- Weakened parts of the tooth that could compromise the crown’s stability are also removed.
- If a significant portion of the tooth is missing, filling material may be used to build up the structure before reshaping.
Reshaping the Tooth
After decay removal, the tooth is reshaped to create enough space for the crown. The amount of reshaping depends on the crown material, with some requiring more space than others. The process generally follows these steps:
- The dentist trims the tooth on all sides to allow sufficient room for the crown to fit properly.
- The top (chewing surface) of the tooth is shaped to support proper bite alignment.
- Adjustments are made to maintain the natural contour of the tooth while providing a secure fit for the crown.
- The dentist checks whether enough healthy tooth structure remains to support the crown effectively.
Then, accurate impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are taken using either a putty-like material or a digital scanner. These are sent to a dental laboratory, where technicians craft a new crown tailored to the patient’s bite and appearance.
Placing a Temporary Restoration
After the tooth is reshaped and impressions are taken, a temporary crown is placed to cover the prepared tooth. It remains in place while the final crown is being made in the dental lab, which can take a few weeks. Its role includes:
- Protecting the Reshaped Tooth:
It shields the tooth from sensitivity caused by exposure to hot or cold temperatures, reducing discomfort. - Maintaining Tooth Position:
It keeps surrounding teeth from shifting, which could otherwise affect the proper fit of the final crown. - Preserving Function:
It allows the patient to eat and speak comfortably, helping to minimise disruption to daily activities. - Reducing the Risk of Damage:
It lowers the chance of damage or contamination to the prepared tooth before the final crown is fitted.
Fabricating the Crown
Once the impressions are sent to the dental laboratory, skilled technicians begin crafting the custom dental crown. The restoration is designed to match the shape, size, and colour of the surrounding teeth, providing a natural appearance and proper function.
The timeline for crown fabrication varies, depending on the material selected and the laboratory’s workload. Some materials, such as porcelain fused to metal crowns, may require more time due to additional processing steps. The process usually takes a few weeks before the crown is ready for placement.
Dental Crown Placement: Fitting the Final Crown
Fitting the final dental crown is a critical process that provides stability and a natural look. Here are the steps involved:
- Removing the Temporary Crown:
The dentist carefully removes the temporary crown and cleans the underlying tooth to prepare it for the final crown. - Placing the Final Crown:
The final crown is positioned over the prepared tooth and checked for proper alignment with surrounding teeth. - Checking the Fit and Bite:
The dentist evaluates the patient’s bite to confirm that the crown fits comfortably and does not cause alignment issues. - Making Adjustments:
If necessary, minor adjustments are made to the crown’s shape or height to achieve a comfortable fit and smooth bite.
Cementing the Crown
Securing the final crown with dental cement is the last step in the dental crown procedure. This process is key to restoring the tooth’s function and appearance, providing a stable and long-lasting fit. The following steps outline how it is done:
- Preparing the Tooth:
The dentist cleans and dries the prepared tooth to create an ideal surface for bonding, allowing the cement to adhere properly. - Applying Dental Cement:
A layer of dental cement is applied to the inside of the crown to bond it firmly to the tooth. - Positioning the Crown:
The crown is carefully placed over the prepared tooth, and steady pressure is applied to position it properly. - Hardening the Cement:
If required, a special light is used to harden the cement, securing the crown firmly in place. - Removing Excess Cement:
Any excess cement around the tooth is removed to prevent gum irritation and maintain a clean finish. - Final Bite Check:
The dentist checks the bite again to confirm proper alignment and comfort, making minor adjustments if necessary.
Post-treatment Dental Care
Caring for a newly placed dental crown is essential to maintain its function and appearance over time. Following recommended care practices protects the crown, surrounding teeth, and gums, supporting overall dental health.
Avoiding Certain Foods
Some foods can damage or dislodge a newly placed crown, especially in the initial period after placement. Therefore, it’s important to avoid the following:
- Sticky Foods:
Caramel, chewing gum, and similar sticky items can pull on the crown, potentially loosening it. - Hard Foods:
Biting into hard foods like hard lollies, ice, and nuts can cause the crown to crack or chip. - Chewy Foods:
Foods like toffee or tough meat can apply excess force on the crown, risking displacement. - Sugary Foods and Drinks:
Consuming too much sugar can lead to decay around the crown’s edges, affecting the underlying tooth. - Very Hot or Cold Foods:
Foods like hot soup or ice cream may cause tooth sensitivity, particularly shortly after the crown has been placed.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene practices help protect the crown and surrounding gums, supporting long-term oral health. Consider the following:
- Brushing Twice Daily:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to keep the crowned teeth and adjacent teeth clean. - Flossing Daily:
Floss around the crown to remove any buildup of plaque and food particles, lowering the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. - Using an Antibacterial Mouthwash:
Rinsing with mouthwash reduces plaque buildup and promotes healthy gums around the crown. - Regular Dental Check-Ups:
Routine visits allow the dentist to monitor the crown’s condition and address any potential issues early.
Additional Care Recommendations
Beyond food choices and oral hygiene, certain habits and protective measures can extend the longevity of the crown:
- Avoid Using Teeth as Tools:
Using teeth to open packages or bite hard objects like pens may damage the crown. - Wear a Mouthguard for Sports:
A mouthguard protects the crown and natural teeth from impact during physical activities. - Manage Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a night guard can protect the crown from excess pressure. - Address Sensitivity Promptly:
If sensitivity continues after the dental crown placement process, inform the dentist immediately so that they can make necessary adjustments.
By following these proper dental crown care guidelines, patients can help them function effectively and maintain their appearance for many years.
Follow-up visits
Follow-up visits play a vital role in the dental crown procedure. They provide the dentist with an opportunity to assess the crown’s fit and performance. During these sessions, potential issues like alignment problems, bite discomfort, or gum irritation can be detected. Timely attention to these concerns helps the crown function properly and remain comfortable during everyday use.
Moreover, regular check-ups are essential for spotting the first signs of wear or damage. Early intervention makes it possible to complete necessary adjustments before more serious complications develop. This ongoing care supports oral health by preventing future issues, allowing patients to enjoy the long-term benefits of their restorative dentistry treatment.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns offer significant benefits by restoring the function, appearance, and strength of a weakened or damaged tooth. They reinforce the tooth, allowing normal chewing and speaking without discomfort. They also improve the overall appearance of your smile by blending naturally with surrounding teeth.
To continue enjoying these benefits, proper care and maintenance are essential. Brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash help protect the crown and surrounding gums from plaque buildup. In addition, regular dental visits allow the dentist to check the crown’s condition and identify any potential issues early. These practices contribute to the crown’s longevity, keeping it functional and comfortable for years to come.
For professional advice and care, contact Timberlands Dental Clinic Wanneroo today. From personalised consultations to routine check-ups and adjustments, our team is committed to providing high-quality dental services tailored to your needs.
