If your teeth are broken or chipped, dental crowns can fix it. It is made as per the shape of your tooth. It is like a cap that covers a misshapen tooth and gives it a natural look. Dental crowns can last up to fifteen years if you take care of them properly. The entire process of getting a crown can take two to three visits. Dental crowns are made from different materials such as metals, porcelain, etc.
In terms of longevity, metal crowns can be best as they can withstand strong forces. However, if you are conscious about them being apparent, then you can go for porcelain crowns. Zirconia crowns are highly durable compared to other types, and they are gentle on the teeth.
Furthermore, in order to make a perfect fit for your broken or chipped tooth, little enamel is extracted. Residents of Logan Lake, British Columbia, get access to the latest technology and get the proper care from specialized dentists. Consider consulting a dentist in Logan Lake, BC, to get dental crowns.
What are the steps involved in a dental crown procedure?
Getting an initial consultation from a specialized dentist.
In Lakeview, after getting the consultation, the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth. They will try to get a better view and understanding of the extent of damage to the affected tooth. It can be done by taking images through X-ray or 3-D imaging techniques. The dentist will discuss the entire treatment with the patient, ensuring that they are comfortable with the procedure that will be involved.
Then, the tooth preparation will begin. The dentist will shape your tooth by extracting some parts of it. Some enamel is extracted to make sure that the crown properly fits in. To ensure that the patient does not feel any pain and discomfort, the dentist uses local anesthesia.
Taking impressions of your teeth.
In order to get the right fitted crown for a patient’s tooth, impressions need to be taken. Imaging techniques can be used to make impressions, and putty can also be used for physical impressions. The impressions are sent to the laboratory to create the crown of the exact shape and size for your affected tooth.
In the laboratory, a highly skilled person will prepare your crown. In the meantime, dentists give temporary crowns for patients to wear. The reason behind this is that permanent crowns can take almost two weeks to get fully prepared. You can sit back and relax until your dentist receives the permanent crown for you.
Place the permanent crown and make adjustments if needed.
During the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary dental crown. They will clean your teeth to ensure there is no chance of infections. Then, the new crown will be placed on your tooth, and the dentist will check if there are any adjustments needed. They make sure that the patient is comfortable with their crown.
In case of bite misalignment or other other issues, changes can be made. Once the patient is found comfortable with their new crown, a cement material that is strong enough to bond the crown is used.
Does it take some time to adjust to the new crowns?
Once you get your crowns, you might feel sensitivity for some time. It is pretty standard and goes away in a week or two. Another thing that you may experience is soreness in your gums, which is also expected. These after-effects go away in a few days. You can have painkillers such as ibuprofen if the pain is too much for you.
While the crowns are pretty durable, try to avoid certain food items. It can include food that is sticky or hard nuts. It would help if you stayed away from them even when you have a temporary crown. They can cause damage to both your permanent and temporary crowns.