What Happens During the Dental Crown Procedure?
It’s not uncommon for people to feel anxious when they hear they may need a dental crown. That’s why we take the time to really listen to our patients and answer all their questions. The more you know about the dental crown procedure, the more empowered you’ll feel about taking control of your oral health.
Here’s what you can expect during the dental crown procedure.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, it’s important that you call our office right away. During your appointment, Dr. Langellier will examine your teeth and gums. He’ll also look at the X-rays we’ll take during your appointment. Dental X-rays allow us to see what can’t be detected by the naked eye, such as decay between teeth.
Dr. Langellier may recommend a dental crown to restore a fragile tooth. For example, you may need a crown if a tooth has a deep crack or cavity. Dental crowns are also used to restore teeth after root canals or to cover dental implants.
Local Anesthesia
To ensure your comfort, Dr. Langellier will inject a local anesthesia into the soft tissue by your tooth. While you’ll feel a small pinch at first, this sensation will quickly give way to numbness.
Tooth Preparation
Once you’re numb and comfortable, Dr. Langellier will file down and shape the tooth so the crown can fit over top. As shown in the diagram below, only the core of your tooth will remain. The crown will then sit over your tooth like a cap.
A dental crown covers the entire visible part of your tooth above the gum line, restoring its full appearance and function.
Dental Impressions
Once Dr. Langellier preps your tooth, he’ll take impressions of your teeth to send to the dental lab. He’ll also use a shade guide to select the perfect color for your new crown. That way, your crown will look natural and match the rest of your smile.
Temporary Crown Placement
Before you leave, our dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until you come back for your next appointment. If your temporary crown falls off in between appointments, call our office as soon as possible so we can place it back over your tooth.
Permanent Crown Placement
During your second visit, Dr. Langellier will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one. But before bonding the crown to your tooth, he’ll ensure that it’s the correct size, shape, and color. That way, your new dental crown will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Once Dr. Langellier is satisfied with how the crown looks and fits, he’ll bond it to your tooth with dental cement. As a final step, he’ll remove any excess dental cement and check your bite.
The result is a that looks and feels natural.
Request an Appointment With Us
Dr. Eric Langellier is an experienced family dentist in Wyoming, MI, who is accepting new patients. He’d also be more than happy to welcome you to our dental practice.
To request an appointment, please call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.