If so, do you know what that means? What is a dental crown? Crowning a tooth is a common dental procedure. Dental crowns are also referred to as caps because your dentist is putting a protective cap over your tooth. There are different materials to choose from when getting a tooth crowned: porcelain, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia. The material used is usually determined by where the crown is going to be placed. Today we discuss the steps involved when your tooth needs to be crowned.
Crowning a Tooth
The process of crowning a tooth usually takes two visits. During the first visit the tooth is prepared. The steps to prepare the tooth include:
Anesthetizing the tooth and surrounding area
Filing down the outer tooth structure using dental instruments and abrasion techniques
Making impressions of the reduced tooth
Placing a temporary crown
The amount of tooth structure that will need to be removed depends on the type of crown being placed. For instance, porcelain crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns require the removal of more original tooth structure. A thinner material such as an all-metal crown does not require the removal of as much tooth structure. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed and there is not enough tooth structure to maintain a crown, your dentist will need to build up the tooth structure instead.
The Second Visit
During the second visit the following will take place:
Your dentist will remove the temporary crown.
The permanent crown will be tested for fit and color matching.
Your dentist will numb the area.
The permanent crown will be cemented into place.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
