Dentistry is often referred to as the profession closest to the intersection of art and science. To be successful, your dentist needs years of medical knowledge to perform treatments and artistic talents such as steady hands, an eye for aesthetics and symmetry, and the ability to distinguish shades of the same color.
In the case of dental crowns, much of this knowledge is put to the test.
Continue reading to find out how this treatment works, and how a skilled dentist restores teeth with precision and grace using dental crowns.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made tooth-shaped cap that fits over an existing tooth. This treatment can restore the aesthetics and functionality of a tooth that has been severely decayed or damaged. There are many reasons crowns are one of the best treatments available for individual teeth, but chief among them are the high quality and low cost.
The typical crown is very affordable and will look just like the rest of your teeth down to the shade. A dentist with an eye for detail will ensure that once the treatment is complete, the new prosthetic will blend seamlessly into your smile.
How is My Tooth Prepared for a Dental Crown?
The dentist performing your procedure will use special instruments to gently shape the existing enamel of your tooth like a sculptor, getting it down to the perfect size to be covered with your new crown. This shaping not only ensures that your new crown will fit correctly but also clears out any damaged or decayed enamel, ensuring the tooth has been restored to full health before the crown is placed.
After your tooth is shaped, your dentist will take an impression to be sent off to a dental lab where they will create the crown from porcelain or zirconia depending on your preference. This process usually takes around two weeks to complete, so you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown on your initial visit.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
Dental crowns are a painless procedure thanks to modern advances in anesthetics. Your dentist will carefully measure the amount of numbing agent required to keep your mouth pain-free for the entire treatment.
You may feel a tingle in your gums, cheek, and tongue, but you’ll only feel slight pressure from your dentist’s instruments as they are used to prepare your tooth for the crown.
What Happens When the New Crown Comes In?
Once your permanent dental crown arrives from the lab, your dentist will carefully remove the old crown and use a more permanent cement to seal your new prosthetic in place. The result is a long-lasting and natural-looking restoration that will make your smile complete and beautiful.
There is a lot of skill and talent that goes into preparing and fastening a dental crown in place. Seeing the process laid out from start to finish puts things in perspective and presents an opportunity to really appreciate all that your dentist can do.
About the Practice
The dentists of Pelican Landing Dental are all passionate and educated professionals who dedicate their lives to the furtherance of oral and whole-body health in the Bonita Springs community. Each of their team members provides the most friendly and comfortable environment possible for your dental needs. To schedule a dental crown consultation or discover other available treatments, visit the website here or call (239) 766-6311.