If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you may be a little nervous about what to expect. After all, this treatment is not as common as regular fillings. But thankfully, there’s no reason to be afraid. Here’s what you can expect from your dental crown procedure, and why you can rest assured your smile will be treated like royalty!
Dental Crowns: What to Expect
The first step in getting your new dental crown is for your dentist to numb your tooth and the surrounding area, so you can remain comfortable the entire time.
Next, he will make an impression of your tooth, so your crown can be customized and fit in seamlessly to your smile.
Once your impression is made, your dentist will then remove the damaged enamel from your tooth, leaving only healthy tooth. This will be reshaped so your new crown will fit comfortably on top.
After your tooth has been reshaped, your dentist will craft a temporary crown for you to wear until your new crown is back from the dental lab. Be careful when eating, brushing, and flossing with it, as they can sometimes come loose.
In about two weeks, your dentist will have you return to the office to have your temporary crown removed and attach your new one. You will be able to use the permanent crown immediately and should be able to resume all normal activities after the procedure.
Caring for Your New Crown
Before you start using your new crown, here are a few helpful tips to ensure it lasts as long as possible:
- Only use your crown to chew food: never tear packaging, bite fingernails, or gnaw on pen caps with it.
- You can brush and floss around your crown just like a natural tooth, however, be careful that you don’t get your floss caught underneath it.
- Crowns can be cleaned with the same toothpaste you use for the rest of your teeth, but be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive paste, when possible, to prevent it from scratching.
Remember, with proper care, your new crown could last ten years or more, but only if you take excellent care of your oral hygiene and only use it as intended. Furthermore, be sure to visit your dentist for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments, as crowned teeth still have about the same risk of developing cavities as those without!
About Dr. Hong
Dr. Joshua Hong earned his BS in Biology from the University of Arizona and his dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He also completed post-graduate school in non-surgical TMJ therapy, full-mouth reconstruction, occlusion, and adhesive dentistry at the Foundation of Advanced Continuing Education (FACE). To make an appointment for a dental crown at Goodman Dental, please visit our website or call us today at 623-925-8822.