How Does My Dentist Get My Tooth Ready for a Dental Crown?

If your tooth is significantly damaged or broken, it is at increased risk of further harm. The good news is that dental crowns can be placed over compromised teeth to protect them going forward. This way, you are much less likely to require a tooth extraction or another extensive treatment in the future. To get a dental crown, your tooth must first be prepared. Read on to learn about the different steps you can expect.

Removing Damage

The first step during the dental crown preparation process is removing the damaged portions of the tooth. Your dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic, so you don’t feel a thing. Then, they will use dental tools to remove decayed and otherwise damaged areas of the tooth. This is a necessary step in restoring the health of your tooth.

Cleaning the Area

Next, your dentist will take the time to clean your tooth. In many cases, the removal of the damage and decay will result in some empty spaces. These areas are more susceptible to bacterial growth, so they need to be disinfected before moving forward.

Filling the Tooth

After the tooth is properly sanitized, your dentist will fill in any empty spaces with a biocompatible dental material. This will likely be tooth-colored composite resin. Filling in the tooth significantly reduces your risk of new infections.

Smoothing the Tooth

The final step when preparing your dental crown is smoothing down the surface of your tooth. Teeth that are decayed or damaged often have areas that are sharp. Dental instruments can be used to shave down certain spots. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort during this process thanks to your local anesthetic.

Crown Placement

Dental impressions are taken and then sent off to the dental laboratory. Here, your dental crown will be customized for your smile. Until it is ready, a temporary dental crown is placed over the prepared tooth to keep it safe and help you get used to how your new restoration will feel. After just a couple of weeks, you can return to the dental office to have your permanent crown adhered to your tooth using dental cement. If everything looks and feels as it should, you will be sent on your way!

If you are getting a new crown soon, you now know exactly what to expect. Your new restoration will keep your tooth in tip top shape for many years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Henry Lu earned his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. To learn more about dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (469) 998-9822.