Dental crowns are a popular dental treatment that can restore a damaged or weakened tooth to its original shape, size, and function. A dental crown is essentially a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged tooth, fully encasing it to restore its structure and appearance. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and resin, and can be customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. In this article, we'll explore the dental crown procedure, from consultation to aftercare, to give you a better idea of what to expect.
What is crown for teeth?
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to cover or cap a damaged or weakened tooth. The crown is typically made from materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination of the two, and is custom-fitted to the shape and size of the tooth.
Consultation: Is dental crown a good treatment for you?
The first step in getting a dental crown is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if a dental crown is the best treatment option for your needs.
They may take x-rays to get a better look at the damage or decay and determine if the underlying tooth structure is healthy enough to support a crown. If a dental crown is the recommended treatment, your dentist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
If you are considering a crown, this is worth reading as well: Types of dental crowns and cost
Preparation: shaping the tooth
Once you and your dentist have agreed to go ahead, the tooth is prepared for the crown.
Your dentist numbs the area with local anaesthetic first. Nothing begins until the tooth and the gum around it are completely numb, so you will feel pressure and movement during what follows, but not pain.
The tooth is then shaped. Any decay or damaged tissue is removed, and the remaining tooth is reduced on each side to leave room for the crown to sit without feeling bulky. How much is removed depends on the crown material and where the tooth sits in the mouth.
Your dentist then records the prepared tooth, either with a conventional impression or a digital scan, along with the teeth above and below so the bite matches. A temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth while the permanent one is made.
Placement: Crown is placed on the tooth
Once your custom crown is ready, your dentist will schedule an appointment to place it. During this appointment, they will remove the temporary crown and clean the prepared tooth to ensure that the permanent crown will adhere properly.
They will then place the crown over the prepared tooth and check for a proper fit and bite. If any adjustments are necessary, they will make them at this time. Once the crown is in place, your dentist will cement it into place, completing the procedure.
How long does a dental crown take ?
A conventional crown takes two appointments.
- First appointment — around an hour. Anaesthetic, shaping the tooth, the impression or scan, and a temporary crown fitted.
Between the two. The crown is made in the laboratory. You wear the temporary crown in the meantime and eat normally, keeping anything very hard or sticky away from that side.
- Second appointment — around thirty minutes. The temporary comes off, the permanent crown is tried in, the bite is checked and adjusted, and the crown is cemented.
For patients travelling to us from abroad, both appointments are scheduled inside a single trip — usually days apart — so there is no second journey.
Can a crown be fitted in a single day?
Often, yes. With CEREC, the prepared tooth is scanned digitally and the crown is designed and milled at the clinic, so it is fitted the same day and no temporary crown is needed.
Same-day crowns suit cases — e.g. single back teeth, cases with no gum treatment needed. Where several front teeth are being matched, the laboratory route is still the better choice, because a technician can layer the ceramic by hand and get a closer match to the teeth either side.
Your dentist will tell you which route fits your case at the first examination. Read more about CEREC same-day crowns
Dental crown procedure pain
The dental crown procedure itself should not be painful, as your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before starting the procedure. You may feel some pressure or discomfort as your dentist prepares the tooth for the crown, but you should not experience any pain.
After the procedure, it is normal to experience some sensitivity or discomfort in the affected tooth for a few days. This is because the tooth and surrounding tissue may have been irritated during the preparation process. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help with any discomfort, and your dentist may also recommend a special toothpaste or mouthwash to help alleviate sensitivity.
If you experience any severe pain or discomfort that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, or if you notice any swelling or signs of infection, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible, as this could be a sign of a complication.
Dental crown aftercare
After the dental crown procedure, it's important to take good care of your new crown to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Your dentist will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly, paying special attention to the area around the crown.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown.
- Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that the crown is functioning properly and to address any potential issues early on.
- If you notice any discomfort or looseness with your crown, contact your dentist as soon as possible to have it evaluated.
Guarantee gap
Not every clinic includes the same level of support.
Before choosing dental treatment abroad, check how the clinic explains guarantees, care guidance, and follow-up support.
Certified Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
Two appointments for a conventional crown: about an hour for the first and about thirty minutes for the second. A same-day CEREC crown is completed in one visit.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No. The tooth and the gum around it are fully numbed with local anaesthetic before anything starts, so you feel pressure and movement but not pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal.
How many appointments will I need?
Two for a laboratory-made crown, one for a same-day CEREC crown. If the tooth also needs root canal treatment or gum treatment first, that adds an appointment.
How long does a temporary crown last?
A temporary crown is designed to last a few weeks, long enough to cover the wait for the permanent one. If it comes loose or comes off, contact your dentist rather than leaving the prepared tooth exposed.
What can I eat with a temporary crown?
Eat normally, but keep hard and sticky foods away from that side — toffee, chewing gum, nuts and crusty bread are the usual culprits for pulling a temporary off.
Will the crown match my other teeth?
Yes. The shade is chosen against your natural teeth before the crown is made, using a shade guide in daylight. For front teeth most dentists take photographs for the technician as well.
Conclusion
A dental crown can be a highly effective treatment for restoring a damaged or weakened tooth, and the procedure itself is relatively straightforward. By understanding the dental crown procedure, from consultation to aftercare, you can be better prepared for what to expect and make an informed decision about whether a dental crown is the right treatment option for you.
