If you just learned that you need a dental crown, you might have concerns about the procedure and any pain that might be involved.
At Crystal Smiles Dental, Colin Young, DMD, and our team understand your apprehension. We’re sensitive to your concerns and have the expertise to make sure you have a positive experience and outcome.
Why you might need a crown
A dental filling can only patch up a tooth where you once had decay, but a crown is a tooth-shaped cap that we place over your tooth to completely cover your natural one.
You may need a crown for several reasons, including:
- Protect a weak tooth
- Restore a broken or worn-down tooth
- Cover a large filling for support
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover misshapen teeth
- Cover discolored teeth
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover your tooth after a root canal
Crowns are also beneficial if you simply want a cosmetic improvement. Whether you need a crown for repair or for cosmetic dentistry reasons, we examine your teeth closely before determining that a crown is the best solution.
What to expect during your dental crown procedure
Getting a crown is a two-step process. In some cases, you can have same-day crowns, but traditional treatments take two visits.
Before getting your crown, we apply numbing jelly at the injection site for your local anesthetic to desensitize the area. We then inject the local anesthetic to completely numb your tooth and the entire surrounding area before your procedure begins.
Your first appointment involves preparing your tooth for a crown. We use a drill to remove any damaged areas and decrease your natural tooth’s thickness to make room for the crown to fit over it. We then take an impression of your tooth and send it to the lab where your crown is created.
Before you leave, we fit you for a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown is ready. The entire process takes less than an hour, and you won’t feel any pain.
At your second appointment, we gently remove your temporary crown and replace it with your permanent one, sealing it on your natural tooth with special dental cement. This process doesn’t require any local anesthesia.
What to expect after your dental crown procedure
After your first visit, you might have some tenderness once your local anesthetic wears off after a few hours.
Once you have your permanent crown, your tooth can take a few weeks to adjust to it as your nerves respond to the changes. This normal reaction can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
To get more information about crowns for your general or cosmetic dentistry needs, reach out to our team in Livermore, California. Call, text, or book your appointment online today.