What Can I Expect When I Get a Crown?:

When you get any dental work done, you may feel anxious or nervous about the process. Sometimes, just simply knowing what to expect can help quite a bit. This post will discuss what you can expect throughout the process of getting a dental crown fitted to your mouth.

Before the Crown Gets Put In:

You can compare the process to that of getting a tooth filled. The dentist will begin by taking X-rays of the tooth’s roots and getting the crown put on it. You will also likely have a mold of the tooth taken so that the permanent crown is a proper fit. If there is the possibility of severe decay, the dentist may first perform a root canal. You will receive novocaine for such a procedure, so the procedure shouldn’t be more than uncomfortable to have done. If your tooth was chipped or broken, you might have your tooth filed to help avoid jagged edges until the permanent can get placed.

However, a root canal or a filing will be determined based on the previous condition of your tooth. It will likely get determined on a case-by-case basis.

You will then receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth from further damage until the permanent one gets constructed and ready to be placed over your tooth.

You will then have to set up a second appointment when the permanent crown is ready to have the crown put on your tooth.

The Second Appointment:

When you arrive for your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown from your tooth. Your dentist will then check the fit of the tooth it’s intended to fit.

If the fit is off a bit, you may get the tooth’s foundation built up a bit to ensure a proper fit when the crown gets placed. Foundational work is most common in teeth that are getting crowded because they either were chipped or got broken in the past.

Assuming the piece fits well, your dentist will then put the crown on the tooth and cement it, so it holds permanently.

Notes For You As a Patient:

Your bite might be slightly different in the first few days after the procedure. Ask your doctor if you need to do anything different to care for your tooth that gets crowned. Likely, you will return to everyday life without any problems; however, if you have any questions or need further information, your dentist is the person to ask.

Conclusions:

Getting a crown is a very common dental procedure, and dentists perform them regularly. There shouldn’t generally be a lot of pain involved with the procedure. Feel free to discuss any concerns or worries with your dentist before receiving your procedure. Dentists are happy to provide information so that you feel at ease with your procedure.

For further assistance or if you need a dental crown placed on a tooth, please contact us at the Westmoreland Dental Group, and we will be happy to help!