Step-by-Step Guide: The Process of Getting a Dental Crown

A crown is a protective cover shaped like a tooth and placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. At Discount Dental, it’s made of porcelain or metal and custom-made in a lab to fit the tooth. A dental crown is needed when half of the tooth is missing, broken, or decayed to the point where just a filling isn’t enough to repair it. The dentist may recommend a crown to preserve and strengthen the tooth structure and prevent it from further damage. They can also be placed on top of a dental implant to replace a tooth that was previously missing. If you’ve had root canal treatment, the crown will also protect the restored tooth.

Types of Dental Crowns

All-Metal Crowns

Metal crowns offer ultimate durability as they are made from strong and durable materials like gold, palladium, nickel, cobalt-chromium, and iron. These materials are naturally strong and resistant to corrosion and wear, making them ideal for biting and chewing.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

PFM crowns combine the strength and durability of a metal substructure with the natural appearance of porcelain. These crowns have a metal base covered with a layer of porcelain, providing a strong and aesthetically pleasing restoration. PFM crowns suit front and back teeth and offer excellent functionality and longevity.

All-Porcelain Crowns

As their name suggests, these crowns are made entirely from porcelain, making them the most aesthetically pleasing option. They’re also biocompatible and will blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

The Procedure for Dental Crowns

Consultation and Evaluation

During your initial dental visit, your dentist will assess the condition of your tooth and determine if a dental crown is an appropriate treatment. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the extent of damage or decay.

Tooth Preparation

The damaged tooth is prepared to accommodate the crown by removing a thin enamel layer. This ensures a proper fit and allows space for the crown to be placed over the tooth.

Impressions and Temporary Crown

After tooth preparation, impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-made crown. While the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth and maintain aesthetics.

Fitting and Bonding

Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will check its fit, color, and shape. Adjustments may be made to ensure optimal comfort and appearance. Once satisfied, the crown is bonded to the tooth using dental adhesive, creating a strong and durable restoration.

Dental crowns offer a versatile, reliable solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. With their ability to regain strength, function, and aesthetics, crowns play a crucial role in preserving the health and beauty of your smile. Visit Discount Dental at 2735 W Court St, Pasco, WA 99301, or call (509) 212-9227 to learn more about dental crowns.