Kings and queens are typically coronated by high-ranking members of clergy, and Napoleon was audacious enough to coronate himself. Teeth, on the other hand, generally receive their crowns from qualified dentists to restore their strength and appearance after extensive infection or injury. Here’s a quick overview of how dental crowns work and how dentists prepare teeth for them.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap designed to replace tooth structure lost due to infection and injury. These appliances are cemented over troubled teeth to restore their strength and appearance and protect them from germs, debris, and further trauma. While these appliances have traditionally been made from metals like silver and gold and placed over the course of two appointments, today’s crowns are made from beautifully lifelike ceramic materials and can be manufactured and placed in a single dental visit.
How Are Teeth Prepared for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are often placed on teeth that have lost a lot of enamel to decay or injury and may also be used to restore teeth that have received root canal treatment. The patient will have to be free from gum disease before their crown can be placed, so preliminary periodontal treatments may be necessary before the procedure can begin.
Your dentist will begin your dental crown procedure by administering a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. They will then remove the decayed structure from your tooth to eliminate the infection. Your tooth will then be measured with a special scanning device that will then create a three-dimensional blueprint of your dental crown. Another machine will then mill your appliance down from a ceramic block according to these instructions. This process can take about an hour, so you may wish to bring a book to the office.
Once your crown is ready, your dentist will cement it to your tooth and check its fit and appearance. After any final adjustments, you’ll be ready to show your rebuilt smile off to the world.
About the Practice
Cove Choice Dental offers the finest oral care possible to families in Copperas Cove. Led by Drs. Daood Alvi, Sileshi Assemu, Shruti Sharma, and Simrat Sehmi, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys a pleasant dental experience in a welcoming and comfortable office. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about how dental crowns are placed, contact the office online or dial (254) 987-6777.