Getting dental treatment can seem scary, especially if you don’t know what to expect. But getting a dental crown in Franklin, MI, is a relatively easy and pain-free process. When applied by a trained and skilled dentist, a dental crown can help preserve your natural tooth while preventing further damage or decay. There may be many reasons your dentist suggests a crown. If you know what to expect, you can face your next appointment with more confidence.
The Process for a Dental Crown in Franklin, MI
For most patients, getting a dental crown takes two or three appointments. If you’re getting multiple dental crowns in your mouth, however, your dentist may recommend splitting the work up into quadrants. While some patients may experience additional treatments or procedures, here’s the general process for getting a dental crown.
Examination and Consultation
The first step for a dental crown is a thorough examination of the affected area and a consultation. Crowns aren’t the only treatment available for fractures, decay, or other types of damage. Your tooth may just need an inlay or onlay, or it could be damaged to the point of extraction. Your dentist will examine your tooth and go over the various treatment options available.
Preparation and Impressions
If you move forward with a dental crown, your dentist will first need to prepare the tooth. Crowns are caps that fit over the top of your natural tooth for protection and stability. This means they need room to sit comfortably without negatively impacting your bite. Your dentist will use a drill to remove a portion of your tooth so that the crown has room. A local anesthetic will be applied to help reduce pain and discomfort during this procedure.
Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist will then clean it and take an impression of your bite. These impressions are used to fabricate your dental crown. Your dentist will use the impressions along with a color-match guide to create your permanent crown.
Temporary Crowns
Creating the right dental crown takes time, often two or three weeks. But if you leave your tooth unprotected, you could develop decay or damage in that time. To help prevent further issues, your dentist will create a temporary crown for you while you’re at your first appointment. This crown will help protect your tooth but isn’t as strong or long-lasting as your permanent.
Set Appointment
After your crown is complete, you’ll return to your dentist’s office for a set appointment. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean your tooth once more to ensure there’s no plaque or tartar that could cause disease. Then, your dentist will permanently set your crown. They will also make any small adjustments needed to ensure your bite feels comfortable and your smile looks complete.
If you need a dental crown, call Dental House and Aesthetics today at (248) 963-7925 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the process.