Do you have a tooth that has sustained structural damage? Are you hoping to resolve severe tooth discoloration with a long-term dental solution? Your dentist can help you address these and other oral health concerns with a dental crown.
Crowns cover a vulnerable tooth and provide long-lasting protection and enhancement. You can feel more comfortable about this procedure if you understand what will occur during each step of your experience. Dr. Matthew Jenne, a dentist serving patients in Garner, NC, explains what you can expect when you receive restorative treatment with dental crowns from our office.
Preparing the Surface of the Tooth
If you and your dentist decide that a dental crown is the optimal treatment for your smile, they will begin by preparing the tooth. When you return to the office for this process, the dentist will give you a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any discomfort in the tooth. The numb sensation will wear off on its own after a few hours.
Then the dentist will scrape away a minute amount of enamel from the tooth in order to make room for the ceramic cap. The dentist will provide you with a temporary crown while your permanent cap is constructed.
Creating Impressions of Your Smile
With your teeth prepared but before they give you a temporary crown, your dentist will take an impression of your smile. This will be done with either a physical mold or digital imaging technology.
The impression will be used to build a personalized permanent dental crown that will suit your unique smile. Your dentist will also consider the look of your surrounding teeth and your aesthetic goals to ensure that you will get a beautiful and natural-looking finish. The permanent crown may take some time to construct in the dental lab, so you will have the temporary crown to protect the tooth in the meantime.
Securing the Permanent Dental Crown
You will return to your dentist’s office once your permanent dental crown is finished. The dentist will place the crown over the tooth and secure it into its position using dental cement.
They will check your bite to make sure the new fixture will not disrupt your oral functions and will feel comfortable in your mouth. Once sealed, the crown can provide restorative and cosmetic benefits for fifteen or more years.
You can get the most out of this treatment by avoiding heightened pressures on the crown. This means that you should not bite down on hard items and treat chronic teeth grinding and clenching behaviors.
Dental Crowns and Other Restorative Treatments in Garner, NC
Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers dental crowns and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Garner, NC. Dr. Jenne also specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening services, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 919.238.3470 or reach our office online.