Introduction
A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth that has been weakened due to an injury, cavity, or dental work like a root canal. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. The type of material used depends on what’s best suited for your needs.
Some patients may be a candidate for a same day crown installation, while others may require two appointments to fit the new crown. Whether you choose a multi day procedure or a same day procedure, it’s important to understand how they differ to help you prepare for the process.
Crown Prep for All Types of Crowns
The initial steps for crown installation are quite similar, whether you are getting a new crown in one day or undergoing a multi day procedure. When you sit down in the dentist’s chair, you can expect that the preparation process will follow a set routine that ensures the crown fits securely and comfortably.
Whether it’s a single visit or multiple appointments, the procedure begins in the same way, focusing on preparing your tooth for the best possible fit.
Examination of Your Mouth
The dentist will examine your mouth to assess the condition of the tooth that requires the crown and the area surrounding it. During this process, the dentist may take X rays to get a better view of the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone. This helps them determine the best approach for preparing your tooth for the crown.
Anesthesia
During crown preparation, dentists will typically apply a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain. The dentist may inject a temporary numbing agent into your gum, which numbs the area for a more comfortable experience. Some dentists also offer conscious sedation, where you will still be awake during the procedure but feel drowsy and relaxed, helping to ease any anxiety.
According to the American Dental Association, two common methods for sedation are nitrous oxide, which you inhale through a mask, and intravenous sedation, which is administered through a vein in your arm. In rare cases, patients with severe anxiety may require general anesthesia.
Preparation of the Tooth
Before a crown can be installed, the dentist will file, shave down, or remove part of the outer layer of the tooth to ensure it fits correctly. The amount of material removed may vary, but the goal is to make the tooth smaller and smoother using a tool. If the tooth is broken down, the dentist may also build up and strengthen it so that it can support the crown.
This step is critically important, as an improperly prepared tooth may result in a misaligned bite, affecting how the crown fits. A misaligned bite can lead to wear on the enamel, causing pain, stress on the joints of the jaw, and other complications. The next step in the process will depend on the kind of crown you’re getting.
For a procedure that takes multiple days:
Tooth Impressions
For a multi day procedure, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and the surrounding area. This impression will be sent to a lab, where a crown will be manufactured to fit the exact space. This ensures that the crown is made to perfectly match your tooth, providing a comfortable and secure fit when it’s placed.
Temporary Crown Placement
After your dentist prepares your tooth, they will place a temporary crown on top of your tooth. This cap is designed to fit over your tooth but is not meant to stay for a long period. Its main purpose is to protect your vulnerable tooth until the permanent crown is ready to be installed. Once you receive the temporary crown, you can go home, but be careful as it’s intended to last only for a short time.
Return to the Dentist’s Office
After about 2 weeks, you’ll need to return to your dentist’s office. During this visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and prepare for the next steps in the process. This ensures that everything is set for the final crown placement.
Final Crown Placement
Once the dentist has chosen the appropriate dental cement based on the type of crown you’re receiving and the location of the tooth, they will apply a uniform layer of cement to the inside of the crown. This helps ensure a secure fit.
The dentist will then carefully fit the crown onto your tooth. Once it’s fitted correctly, any excess cement will be removed or scraped away to ensure a clean and comfortable finish. For a zirconia crown, resin cement is often the best choice, as it can help the crown withstand stress.
How Much Time Should You Allow for the Appointments?
For a one day appointment, the process will typically take 2 to 4 hours. If you’re arranging to take some time off for the procedure, it’s best to err on the side of allowing more time to be safe. For a multi day appointment, you will need to block out time in your calendar for two separate appointments.
Your dentist will let you know how far apart the appointments will be, but usually, the second appointment will be 1 to 2 weeks after your first one. Each appointment will typically take 1 to 2 hours.
Takeaway
Before your next crown installation, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist in advance. Make sure you know the type of procedure your dentist plans to use so you’ll be prepared and know how much time to allow. If you’re feeling uncertain, be sure to let your dentist know. Regardless of the type of crown you receive, be sure to take good care of it afterward so it can last as long as possible.