It’s estimated that over two million dental crowns are placed every year, making it one of the most common restorative dental treatments dentists offer! If you’re concerned about your upcoming treatment because you don’t know what to expect, one of the main aspects of the procedure is preparing your natural tooth. With proper preparation, your dental crown can continue protecting your tooth for well over a decade. Read on to learn more about how your dentist will prepare your tooth for a dental crown.
When are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dental crowns can be used in a variety of different ways, but they’re mostly utilized to restore and protect compromised teeth. They can also be used to help replace missing teeth, like by anchoring a dental bridge into place. Some of the situations in which your dentist may recommend this treatment include if a tooth has:
- Been damaged
- Received a large dental filling
- Received root canal treatment
- Has been lost
- Worn down due to grinding and clenching
Crowns can also be used to achieve cosmetic results, like helping a misshapen tooth appear more symmetrical and similar in appearance to surrounding teeth.
How Do Dentists Prepare Teeth for Dental Crowns?
Once you have agreed to move forward with getting a dental crown, your dentist will start the process by numbing the area surrounding the tooth requiring preparation. This will help you feel more comfortable in the treatment chair. They’ll then start removing the outermost layer of the tooth, which will allow the crown to fit over it while laying flush with your surrounding natural teeth. This is one of the most crucial parts of the preparation process to ensure maximum protection and lasting results.
Before you leave, your dentist will capture a digital impression of your tooth and secure a temporary crown atop it. This will help prevent any sensitivity or discomfort as well as protect your tooth until your permanent crown can be cemented.
How Should You Take Care of Your Crown?
After your dentist cements your permanent crown onto your prepared tooth, it’ll be important to follow their maintenance tips to extend its lifespan. On average, dental crowns can last between five and 15 years when you:
- Get a professional dental cleaning every six months.
- Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste for two minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with fluoridated antimicrobial mouthwash once a day.
- Floss your teeth every day.
In many cases, patients who receive dental crowns are able to continue getting the most out of their natural teeth for the rest of their lives, making it a worthwhile investment! And, although a little up-front preparation is necessary, it’s still a lot less work and financial investment than needing to replace a missing tooth or get a root canal.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji understands that life throws you the biggest curveballs when you least expect them, which is why he offers same-day emergency dental appointments for patients in pain or distress. In addition to convenient and timely visits, he’s also proud to accept all dental insurance plans to make care as affordable as possible. For questions about the dental crown process or to schedule an appointment, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.