The Process of Getting Dental Crowns
Restoring Radiance: The Process of Getting Dental Crowns in Lexington, KY
A dental crown is a versatile and effective restoration used to strengthen and enhance damaged or weakened teeth. Whether you’ve experienced tooth decay, trauma, or extensive wear, dental crowns can restore the functionality and appearance of your teeth. At Park Hills Family Dentistry, the best dentist in Lexington, KY, we guide you through every step of the crown placement process to ensure you achieve a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect when getting a dental crown.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The journey to getting a dental crown begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this initial visit, our team will evaluate your oral health and determine if a crown is the appropriate solution for you. We’ll take X-rays and examine the tooth to assess its condition and surrounding structures. This helps us ensure that the tooth is suitable for a crown and that any underlying issues, such as decay or infection, are addressed before proceeding.
Preparing the Tooth
Once we confirm that a dental crown is the right choice, the next step involves preparing the tooth. The preparation process involves:
Numbing the Tooth: We start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Shaping the Tooth: Our dentist will then carefully remove any damaged or decayed portions of the tooth. We reshape the remaining tooth structure to create a strong foundation for the crown. This step is crucial for ensuring that the crown fits well and functions properly.
Taking Impressions: After preparing the tooth, we take precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions are used to create a custom crown that fits perfectly over the prepared tooth. We may use traditional impression materials or digital scanning technology to capture detailed images of your teeth.
Temporary Crown Placement
While your permanent crown is being crafted, we will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. The temporary crown serves to protect the tooth and maintain your appearance until the permanent crown is ready. We’ll ensure that the temporary crown is comfortable and secure, and provide instructions on how to care for it during this interim period.
Creating the Permanent Crown
The impressions taken during your visit are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create your custom permanent crown. The material used for the crown may include porcelain, ceramic, or metal, depending on your specific needs and preferences. The laboratory carefully crafts the crown to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
Fitting the Permanent Crown
Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our office for the final placement. During this appointment, we will:
Try On the Crown: We’ll place the permanent crown on your tooth to check its fit and appearance. Our dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the crown aligns properly with your bite and feels comfortable.
Bond the Crown: After confirming that the fit is perfect, we’ll bond the crown to the prepared tooth using a strong dental adhesive. This secure bond ensures that the crown stays in place and functions as intended.
Final Adjustments: We’ll make any final adjustments to ensure that the crown blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. We’ll also provide you with instructions on how to care for your new crown to ensure its longevity.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once your crown is in place, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for its longevity. Here are a few tips for caring for your dental crown:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Continue to brush twice daily and floss daily to keep your crown and surrounding teeth clean and free of plaque.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid chewing on hard objects or foods that could damage the crown.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with the best dentist in Lexington, KY, to monitor the condition of your crown and overall oral health.
Why Choose Park Hills Family Dentistry?
At Park Hills Family Dentistry, we take pride in providing exceptional care and using the latest techniques for dental crown placement. As the best dentist in Lexington, KY, our team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest quality treatment tailored to your specific needs. From the initial consultation to the final placement of your crown, we strive to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
If you think you might need a dental crown or have any questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.