A Breakdown Of The Tooth Crown Process

From severe tooth decay to cracks and worn down teeth, crowns are a great treatment option for a range of dental issues. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today to see how a crown could benefit your smile.

Considering getting a dental crown but have questions about the procedure? Or have your appointment booked in the diary, but feeling apprehensive of treatment day? This in-depth blog breaks down the entire tooth crown process to answer your questions and ease any concerns.

Step 1: Consultation

Your journey starts with a consultation. This vital appointment lasts up to 45 minutes and includes a thorough oral health examination to ensure you are eligible for the treatment. X-rays and scans may be carried out if needed.

While visiting your local Yorkshire Dental Suite practice, your dentist will also review your medical history to get a more well-rounded idea of your specific health needs, before outlining the next suitable steps.

Step 2: Remedial work

If any issues are identified in your consultation that could affect the viability of dental crowns, these will need to be addressed prior to your fitting. This adds to your overall treatment timeline and spending. We have listed the common problems below and their possible solutions.

Step 3: Dental crown procedure

It’s now time for the day of the procedure. This appointment usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes for a single tooth and, with your choice of sedation or local anaesthetic, is completely painless. So what will the day look like?

1. The area surrounding the tooth is numbed
2. Part of the enamel is filed down, creating enough space for the crown to fit snugly on top
3. Impressions are taken of the tooth
4. A temporary dental crown is fit, giving you a same-day transformation

Step 4: Final fitting

You will wear your temporary crown for approximately 1 – 2 weeks while we build your permanent crown in our in-house laboratory, before returning to the clinic for your final appointment. The bonus? No drilling or injections are required this time, as your tooth has already been modified.

1. First, the temporary crown is removed
2. Your custom-made crown is placed
3. Your dentist then checks the shape, colour and bite alignment of the new crown
4. The new crown is permanently bonded in place

You have now officially finished the treatment process. Your dentist will give you aftercare advice so you may enjoy your new smile for as long as possible (if well cared for, crowns can last up to 15+ years!).

Step 5: Long-term maintenance

Dental crowns are a permanent tooth restoration that requires special care. Follow our top do’s and don’ts, alongside the specific aftercare tips provided by your dentist, to ensure the long-term success of the procedure.

Dental crown do’s

A great oral hygiene routine is essential. Decay can still form around a crown, leading to problems such as sensitivity and treatment failure. Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss regularly to help stop this from happening.

Be mindful of what you are eating too. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods may crack, chip or dislodge your crown, while pigmented foods lead to staining. Crowns cannot be whitened, so this should be kept in mind.

Finally, do not skip your routine check-ups with your dentist. They will be able to check your crown and oral health is in good condition, and spot any underlying issues you wouldn’t be able to see yourself. Regular hygiene appointments also minimise the risk of new decay from developing.

Dental crown don’ts

One of the biggest don’ts of dental crown aftercare is using your teeth as tools. Whether it’s ripping off a clothing tag or opening a bottle, this puts your crown at risk of damage (alongside your other teeth). Do not bite your nails either.

Another top tip is to avoid smoking or vaping. Alongside the serious risks the habit poses to your general health, smoking is also a contributing factor of crown failure and discolouration, as well as gum recession and bad breath.

If you are experiencing sensitivity, do not continue ignore this discomfort. This could be a sign that there is an issue present, such as new decay or incorrect placement of the crown. Contact your dentist for assistance as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

Still have reservations? Book a relaxed, no-pressure consultation with the Yorkshire Dental Suite team. We will answer any questions you have. Then, if you choose to go ahead with treatment, our team of industry-leading dentists will safely carry out the dental crown procedure.