West Perth Dental Centre

Discover the Seamless Dental Crown Process for Long-Lasting Tooth Restoration

Dental crowns are a common restorative dentistry treatment offered by many dental clinics to address damaged teeth and decayed teeth. Many patients who are about to undergo the dental crown process are seeking information to help them prepare. Understanding the details of the procedure can alleviate concerns and keep patients well-informed about what to expect.

This blog will talk about the essential aspects of getting a dental crown, from the initial consultation to the final placement. Continue reading to gain valuable insight into each step, which can help you feel confident and comfortable during the process.

Summary of the Content

  • Dental crowns address damaged and decayed teeth, offering protection, enhanced aesthetics, and restored functionality.
  • The initial consultation evaluates the tooth’s condition and discusses suitable crown materials and treatment options.
  • Tooth preparation involves reshaping the tooth and possibly building up its structure to support the crown.
  • Dental impressions are taken using traditional methods (putty-like material) or digital scanning, which is essential for creating custom crowns.
  • A temporary crown is attached to the tooth, while the final crown or artificial tooth is under fabrication.
  • Crafting the dental crown involves meticulous customisation to match the patient’s existing tooth colour, shape, and size. This makes the artificial tooth blend with the surrounding teeth and make it look aesthetically pleasing when smiling.
  • The new dental crown is fitted during a subsequent appointment. The dentist will check the patient’s bite for a comfortable fit and optimal functionality of the false tooth. Adjustments may be necessary during this process.
  • Bonding the crown uses dental adhesive to secure it to the tooth, followed by final adjustments and polishing.

The Importance of Dental Crowns for Tooth Restoration

Dental crowns are artificial teeth designed to cover or “cap” fractured and severely decayed teeth. They help stabilise the teeth instead of extracting them so they remain functional, and your smile stays aesthetically pleasing. Here’s a detailed explanation of why dental crowns are essential for long-term oral health:

  • Protecting Damaged Teeth
    When a tooth is severely damaged due to extensive decay, it can lead to significant oral health issues. Dental crowns provide a protective layer that restores the tooth’s function while mimicking its original shape. This helps prevent further damage and maintain long-term oral health.
  • Enhancing Aesthetics
    Damage to the teeth can alter their appearance and affect the aesthetics of your smile. Custom dental crowns are designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth. This improves the smile’s aesthetics, making it virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth, boosting one’s confidence.
  • Preserve Tooth After Root Canal Therapy
    A dental crown can be attached to a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. It encases the tooth entirely, protecting it from further infection and restoring its functionality. This custom crown also helps strengthen the tooth and withstand breaking under the pressure of chewing and biting.
  • Supporting Dental Procedures
    Crowns are often used along with other dental treatments, such as dental implants. They act as a protective structure for the implant post underneath and are visible parts of the new tooth.
  • Preventing Further Decay
    When a tooth suffers from extensive decay, a dental crown can be a treatment to mitigate its progression. By covering the damaged area, a crown prevents bacteria from entering and resulting in further decay or infection. This is particularly important in maintaining the health of the adjacent teeth and gums.
  • Restoring Functionality
    Crowns are vital for restoring the functionality of damaged teeth. They allow patients to chew and speak properly, which might be compromised due to tooth damage. This restoration is crucial for overall oral health and daily comfort.

Dental crowns offer restorations that protect, enhance, and restore damaged teeth. Recognising their significance helps you appreciate how crowns support both the health and aesthetics of your smile.

If you are experiencing issues with your teeth, consider discussing dental crowns with your dentist to explore how this treatment can contribute to healthier oral health. They can also discuss the specifics of the dental crown procedure.

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The initial dental crown consultation with the dentist is a crucial first step in the tooth restoration procedure. The following are the general steps during an initial consultation for dental crowns:

  • Assessment of Tooth Condition
    The dentist will assess the tooth for any signs of damage, decay, or other issues. They may use X-rays or digital scans to take a detailed view of the tooth’s structure and surrounding bone. With this equipment, dental professionals can see the underlying issues and the severity of the damage. This comprehensive assessment helps them create a tailored treatment plan that meets the patient’s oral health needs.
  • Discussion of Treatment Options
    Once the assessment is complete, the dentist will discuss potential options for dental crowns with you. This includes explaining the different types of crowns or materials used, such as porcelain, zirconia, metal, and composite resin. Each material has its benefits and is chosen based on the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
  • Choosing the Right Crown Material
    The selection of dental crown material depends on various factors. This includes the tooth’s location, the extent of the damage, and any potential allergic reactions to certain materials. The dental professional will guide you in choosing a suitable option that prioritises durability, functionality, and aesthetics.
  • Understanding the Procedure
    During the initial appointment, the dentist will also explain the steps entailed in the dental crown procedure. This helps set clear expectations and provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the dental crown treatment. Being familiar with the entire dental crown process helps alleviate any concerns and keeps you comfortable with the planned treatment.

The initial consultation is a necessary step in achieving a successful dental crown process. By thoroughly evaluating your dental health and discussing the most suitable treatment options, your dentist can help you achieve a functional and beautiful smile.

Tooth Preparation

Tooth preparation for dental crowns involves reshaping the tooth to make space for the tooth-shaped cap. This step is done to prevent further tooth decay or fractures and to make the crown adhere securely. Proper preparation is crucial for the success of the dental crown placement. Here are the details of the steps involved in tooth preparation:

  • Reshaping the Tooth
    The dentist will begin by trimming down the tooth to remove any decayed or damaged areas. This step is crucial to creating a stable foundation for the crown. The amount of tooth’s layer trimmed depends on the extent of the damage and the type of crown material being used. For instance, metal crowns are thinner and require less removal of the tooth structure compared to all-porcelain crowns.
  • Building Up the Tooth Structure
    If the tooth has extensive decay or damage, the dentist might need to use filling material to rebuild its structure. This step provides a solid base for the crown and makes it strong enough to withstand the pressure of chewing and biting without compromising the integrity of the crown.
  • Shaping for a Proper Fit
    After reducing the decayed parts, the dentist will continue to shape the tooth. The goal is to create a tapered form that can snugly accommodate the crown. This precise shaping allows the crown to fit well and function once placed. The dentist will carefully check the shape and make adjustments as necessary to achieve an optimal fit.

The goal of tooth preparation is to achieve a precise fit for the dental crown. Proper preparation helps prevent issues like discomfort, misalignment, or an improper bite. The experienced dentist will shape the tooth properly to accommodate the crown seamlessly.

Taking Impressions

Following the tooth preparation for dental crowns, the dentist needs to create a model of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. Here are the common ways to perform dental impressions:

  • Traditional Methods
    Traditionally, dental impressions are taken using a putty-like material placed in an impression tray. The tray is then positioned over the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This allows the material to capture the precise shape of the teeth and gums. The patient bites down on the tray, holding it in place for a few minutes until the material sets. While efficient, this method can be uncomfortable for some patients.
  • Modern Digital Scanning Technology
    In modern dentistry, digital scanning technology is often used to take dental impressions. This technology involves using a small, handheld device to scan the tooth and surrounding area. The scanner captures detailed images, creating a precise digital model of the tooth. Using digital impressions is more comfortable and provides a higher degree of precision, resulting in better-fitting custom dental crowns.

Once the impressions are taken, whether using traditional putty-like material or digital scanning, they are sent to a dental laboratory. The dental technician uses these impressions as a base to create custom dental crowns. They craft false teeth to match specific specifications for a precise fit and natural appearance.

Accurate impressions are essential for the success of tooth restoration with dental crowns. They make the crown fit well, look natural, and function properly. Whether using traditional putty-like material or advanced digital scanning, the goal is to create a model of the teeth.

Temporary Crown Placement

After taking impressions and sending them to the laboratory for the creation of custom dental crowns, the dentist inserts a temporary crown. This crown protects the exposed or prepared tooth, preventing any damage or discomfort during the waiting period.

The dentist will use a temporary adhesive to bond the temporary crown to the tooth. This bonding is designed to be strong enough to hold the crown in place but also weak enough to allow for easy removal when the final crown is ready. The temporary crown helps the tooth remain functional and comfortable during the dental crown process.

During this period, it is crucial to follow specific care instructions while wearing a temporary crown:

  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge the temporary crown.
  • Be gentle when brushing and flossing around the temporary crown to avoid disturbing its placement.
  • If you notice that the temporary crown becomes loose or falls off, contact your dentist immediately for a reattachment.

The temporary crown is essential for protecting your tooth while you wait for the final prosthetic tooth. Adhering to care instructions will help maintain its stability and your comfort. If you notice any changes in your bite function or discomfort, consulting a dental professional is highly recommended. They will check the fit of the temporary tooth crown and make necessary adjustments to alleviate discomfort.

Crown Fabrication

After the tooth preparation for dental crowns and impressions, the detailed model is sent to a laboratory for creation. The lab uses these impressions to craft custom dental crowns that fit precisely and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Custom dental crowns are meticulously designed to match the patient’s natural tooth colour, desired proper shape, and size. This level of customisation is achieved through a detailed analysis of the patient’s dental impressions and photographs. The goal is to create a crown that blends seamlessly with the existing teeth, enhancing the overall smile. When creating an artificial tooth, dentists take the following factors into consideration:

  • Matching tooth colour:
    Dental professionals use shade guides to select a colour that closely matches the patient’s natural teeth. This makes the crown look indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.
  • Shaping and sizing:
    The crown is sculpted to replicate the contours of the natural tooth. This includes mimicking the cusps and grooves that are essential for proper chewing and biting functions.
  • Material selection:
    The choice of materials for dental crowns can depend on the location of the tooth and the patient’s specific needs or preferences. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are popular choices because of their aesthetic appeal, while metal crowns are known for their durability and strength.

Some dental clinics use advanced CAD/CAM technology for in-house crown fabrication. This technology involves using digital scans to design and mill the crown on-site. CAD/CAM allows for precise, custom dental crowns to be produced relatively quickly, often within a single dental appointment.

During the crown fabrication process, every detail is meticulously checked to maintain high quality. Technicians meticulously check that the crown fits the prepared tooth precisely and aligns with the patient’s bite so that it will be comfortable and long-lasting.

Before the crown is securely placed, it undergoes final adjustments to achieve a proper fit. This step includes refining the shape and appearance to match the natural teeth, achieving a beautiful smile.

Fitting and Adjusting the New Crown

Fitting and adjusting the new crown is the final step in the dental restoration process so it functions well and looks natural.

  • Initial Fitting
    During a subsequent dental visit, the dentist will place the new dental crown on the prepared tooth. They will examine the crown from all angles to see whether it sits properly and comfortably on the tooth.
  • Bite Assessment
    You will be asked to bite down gently on a piece of particular paper. This process, known as occlusion checking, helps identify any high spots or areas where the crown might interfere with your bite. The crown is then adjusted so it aligns precisely with your natural bite, providing comfort and functionality.
  • Checking Aesthetics
    The aesthetic appearance of the crown is crucial for an attractive smile. The dentist will check if the crown’s colour and shape match your natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. This step is vital for maintaining a natural and appealing smile.
  • Making the Necessary Adjustments
    If any discrepancies in fit or appearance are noted, the dentist will make the necessary adjustments. This might involve reshaping the crown slightly or refining its contours to achieve a proper fit. The goal is to create a crown that looks and feels like a natural part of your dental structure.

The dentist will also check that the crown does not cause any discomfort and that it functions properly during activities such as chewing and speaking. This thorough assessment and adjustment process helps achieve optimal outcomes for dental restoration.

Crown Cementation

Crown cementation is the final step in the dental crown process. It involves attaching the new, custom-made crown to the decayed or broken tooth.

  • Applying Dental Adhesive
    The dentist begins by disinfecting the tooth and the crown for the cementation process. Then, dental cement is applied to both surfaces. This adhesive is designed to create a strong bond, anchoring the dental crown securely to the tooth.
  • Placing the Crown
    Once the adhesive is applied, the dentist carefully positions the crown over the prepared tooth. The crown fitting process involves precise alignment so it sits precisely on the tooth. The dentist may use gentle pressure to set the crown in place, allowing the adhesive to bond properly.
  • Hardening the Adhesive
    The dental adhesive used to bond the crowns to the tooth needs to harden and set. The dentist might use a specific light to help harden and activate the adhesive quickly. This step helps solidify the bond between the crown and the tooth, providing a durable and stable restoration.
  • Final Adjustments
    After placing the crown, the dentist will check for any final adjustments. This includes determining whether the crown fits comfortably and does not interfere with your bite. Any minor adjustments needed for the custom-made crowns are made at this stage to enhance comfort and functionality.
  • Polishing the Crown
    The final step involves polishing the crown to smooth out any rough edges and achieve a natural look. This step improves the appearance and makes the crown feel like a natural part of your dental structure.

Crown cementation is a crucial step in finalising the dental crown process so that the crown is securely and comfortably fitted. With the adhesive set and the crown polished, you can enjoy the benefits of a restored and confident smile.

Potential Adjustments and Replacements

While dental crowns are designed to be long-lasting, they may require adjustments or replacements over time. Here are the common reasons:

  • Wear and Tear
    Over time, dental crowns can experience wear and tear from daily activities such as chewing and unconscious grinding. This can lead to the dental crown becoming loose or worn down, necessitating adjustments to maintain proper function and comfort.
  • Damage
    Crowns can also be damaged by accidents or biting down on hard objects. If a crown chips or cracks, it is essential to consult your dentist immediately. They can assess the damage and determine whether the crown needs to be restored or replaced.
  • Changes in Oral Health
    Changes in your oral health can impact the fit and function of your dental crown. For instance, gum recession can expose the edge of the crown, making it susceptible to decay or discomfort. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to monitor these changes and address any issues promptly.
  • Adjustments
    If you experience discomfort or issues with your bite after getting a crown, your dentist can make the necessary adjustments. These adjustments can involve reshaping the crown or making it align properly with your other teeth, enhancing comfort and functionality.
  • Replacements
    Depending on the material and care, crowns generally last between 5 and 15 years. If a crown becomes significantly worn or damaged, your dentist will recommend replacing it to maintain your oral health.

If you notice any problems with your dental crown, it is important to consult your dentist as soon as possible. Regular dental visits will help maintain your crowns, keep them in good condition, and continue to provide comfortable and efficient tooth restoration.

Final Thoughts

The dental crown procedure is designed to restore and protect damaged teeth, providing both functionality and a pleasing appearance. From the initial consultation to the final fitting and cementation, each step plays a vital role in achieving a successful outcome. Dental crowns not only protect your teeth from further damage but also help improve the aesthetics of your smile.

It’s important to consult with your dentist to determine the appropriate treatment option for your needs, such as suitability for dental crowns. This will help you better understand the details of the tooth restoration you are about to receive and make well-considered decisions.

We encourage you to schedule a dental crown consultation with our team at West Perth Dental Centre. Our phone number can be found here, or you can book online via our website. Our team of experienced dentists can explain the crucial steps of the dental crown procedure to help you set realistic expectations.

Dr. Michael Wu

Author

Dr. Michael Wu

Dr. Michael Wu holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Western Australia. He never stops learning and regularly attends post-graduate education seminars, courses, and conferences to ensure he is providing his patients with excellent dental care.

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