Dress Your Tooth Like a King: What to Expect When Receiving a Dental Crown

A dental crown can save a tooth from extraction after extensive damage due to decay, injury, or a dental procedure like a root canal. It can restore a tooth to its natural size and shape, allowing it to blend seamlessly once again into a smile. These restorations can last for up to twenty years and feel and function just like real teeth. Here’s what you can expect when receiving a dental crown and during the recovery period afterward.

What Happens During My First Appointment?

When receiving a dental crown, your first appointment will include an examination, anesthesia, and preparation. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth to evaluate the tooth being treated and the area around it. They may even take X-rays to provide information about the roots of the tooth and the surrounding bone. Your dentist will then use a local anesthetic to numb your tooth before removing parts of the outer tooth structure. The tooth will be made smaller and smoother, and it may require treatments to build it up so it can be strong enough to support the dental crown.

Your dentist will then take bite impressions, which will be sent to a lab. There, technicians will manufacture your new crown according to precise specifications provided by your dentist. A temporary crown will be cemented into place upon the tooth, and you will be sent on your way. This appointment may take between one and two hours.

What Happens During My Second Appointment?

Your completed permanent crown should arrive at your dentist’s office in about two weeks. After removing your temporary crown, your dentist will use a special dental cement to fix your crown in place. This cement will be applied in a uniform layer to the interior of the crown before it is precisely placed upon the tooth. After your dentist is certain it has been fitted correctly, they will carefully remove any excess cement. Your crown placement appointment may take between one and two hours.

What Is the Recovery Period Like?

While receiving a crown shouldn’t hurt thanks to the local anesthetic used, you may experience some mild discomfort for a while afterward. This is a temporary inconvenience that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If this discomfort lasts for more than two weeks or seems to be getting worse, contact your dentist.

Dental crowns are common restorations that have allowed millions of people to preserve their complete smiles. With proper care, your dental crown can serve you beautifully for decades to come.

About the Practice

On Point Dentistry provides personalized and comprehensive dental services to the community of Frisco, TX. Led by Drs. Marco Caballeros and Carlos Parra, the staff delivers excellent oral healthcare in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. For more information on what to expect when receiving a dental crown, contact the office online or dial (469) 476-4092.