Getting Crowned: What Should You Expect During the Treatment Process?

Your new dental crown will help your smile look brand new, but before it’s placed, you’ll need some prep work. Treating a decayed or damaged tooth requires time with your dentist to remove all diseased tissue and shape it correctly for the crown. What does this process look like? It’s a question that’s all too familiar to most dentists, so keep reading to learn what to expect.

Initial Evaluation

Long before your dental crown finds its new home on top of your vulnerable tooth, you will meet with your dentist for an evaluation. They will take dental X-rays and use additional imaging technology to clearly see the affected tooth and why you need a dental crown. This may be because your tooth is cracked, chipped, severely decayed, or infected. If it is the latter, you may need a root canal, and a crown will be placed after additional treatment.

Numbing the Tooth and Surrounding Area

Before your dentist begins treating the decayed or damaged tooth, they will use local anesthesia to numb it. You will receive an injection in your gums that works quickly so you don’t feel any discomfort during treatment. If needed, you can ask about dental sedation to help calm your nerves. This makes the procedure smoother and less stressful for you and the dentist.

Removing Decay/Damage & Reshaping the Tooth

This step is without question the most important because without proper reshaping, the crown will not fit properly. Your dentist will begin by removing the damaged or decayed portions of the tooth, filing it down so that it appears smaller than before. If the tooth is broken, they may need to build it up to ensure it is structurally sound enough.

Taking Impressions

Once your tooth is ready for its new crown, your dentist will take impressions to send to a dental lab for fabrication. They will create your restoration to match your smile so that, when all is said and done, you have a lifelike, fully functional, beautiful crown.

While you wait for your permanent crown, your dentist will fit you with a temporary restoration. This offers protection between appointments, but you will need to be careful about what you eat and how you clean your teeth during this time.

Receiving Your New Crown

The final step in the process is receiving your new dental crown. You will return to your dentist’s office to have the temporary one removed. When ready, your dentist will secure the crown so that it fits snugly yet comfortably over your tooth. With a final bite check, you will be cleared to start enjoying life with your complete, one-of-a-kind smile.

A new crown can make a big difference in protecting your tooth from future damage and decay. Understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared when the day arrives to restore and renew your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Hiren H. Shah earned his dental doctorate from New York University and has more than a decade of experience. If you need a dental crown to repair a damaged or decayed tooth, he can deliver outstanding results using the latest technology and a keen eye for detail. Contact us at (908) 834–8448 to schedule an appointment.