Dental crowns are caps made wholly or partly out of metal, ceramic, or a combination of the two. They are typically used over severely damaged teeth that need protection from further damage and restoration to properly function. Crowns are essential when there is structural damage to the entire visible surface of the tooth.
Dental crowns can be placed on teeth to strengthen and restore the tooth’s function and appearance. They can also prevent further damage if there is a risk of breakage or infection. Here is the process that goes into their making and placement.
Preparation
Before you can be fitted with a crown, your dentist is required to remove any decayed or damaged tooth structure. This means that the final crown will be bonded over an intact and healthy natural tooth.
Usually, your dentist will shave down the visible surfaces of your teeth, so they are level with each other before the preparation for the new crown. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may choose to numb them with an injection of a local anesthetic.
Tooth Measurements
Before the crown can be fitted, your dentist will measure your tooth by taking a series of x-rays and impressions (moldings). This is because the lab technician who makes the crown will rely on these images to get your tooth’s shape, size, and contour precisely correct.
The dentist might also take photos of surrounding teeth to ensure that the proportions are correct, and that everything fits together well for a cohesive smile.
Making the Crown
A wax model of your tooth will be created from the impression so that it can be used as a guide by a dental technician, who will carefully craft a new crown to fit your tooth perfectly. The dentist should check this over before it is sent back to the lab for final adjustments and remove any temporary cement.
If you have a metal-ceramic crown made, it will be blasted with glass beads to roughen up its surface so that new dental cement can properly adhere to the new crown. If you have an all-porcelain crown fitted, there won’t be any need to do this because porcelain is naturally rough.
Crown Placement
Once the dentist has completed all of these steps, they will carefully place the crown over your tooth and seat it firmly using temporary dental cement, which will hold it in place until the permanent cement can be applied. The crown should fit well but not be so tight that it causes discomfort.
After the dental cement has been allowed to dry and set, you can be fitted with a permanent crown that will need regular care, like your natural teeth, to stay clean and strong.
Visit the Most Trusted Dentist in Newbury Park to Get Your Dental Crowns
Newbury Dental Group is a trustworthy dental clinic where you can get the help of top-class professionals for crowns that are as perfect as your natural teeth. The services we offer include dental crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic procedures.
If you are interested in getting outstanding results for your smile, call us today or contact us to book an appointment.