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Dental crowns are an important part of dentistry and a valuable tool in our dental practice. They are a treatment that is very common for people in the 30s and 40s. When you come to this juncture in your dental health, we want you to know what to expect during a crown appointment. These are things you can expect at our dental practice in Tampa and should also expect of any qualified dentist who has your best interest in mind.
Open communication with your dentist
Before treatment begins, you can expect to have an open dialogue with your dentist about why you need a crown and what type of crown is best for you.
- Understanding why you need a crownThere are a few reasons you may need a crown. There may be a large amount of decay that a filling can no longer treat, or the tooth is damaged and needs to be sealed. A crown provides more coverage and protection than a filling and can treat a wider array of issues.In our office, we use photos and visuals to show patients why they need a dental crown. If your dentist is not showing you why treatment is needed and backing that up with physical evidence, you may want to find another provider.Understanding the types of crowns and which you needBefore your crown is placed, we also discuss which type of crown is best for you. There are many types of crowns, including:
- Gold crowns
- Porcelain fused metal crowns
- Zirconia crowns
- E-max crowns
Proper preparation of the tooth
When preparing a tooth for a crown, we must consider why the crown is needed.
- For a tooth that has decay that a filling can no longer treat – we will remove the existing filling material and then replenish it before placing a crown on the tooth.
- For a tooth that is broken or missing a piece – we will replace the missing piece with what is called a build-up. The build-up will provide additional strength and support to sustain the crown.
Again, these are conversations your dentist should be having with you. Education is key in our practice, and we want our patients to know exactly why our recommended treatment plan is best for them and their long-term dental health.
A thorough bite analysis
An important step in preparing a dental crown is understanding the patient’s bite. Consider the last time you had something stuck in your tooth like a strawberry seed, and how uncomfortable this felt. That is what it can feel like if a crown is placed without considering the bite.
Before a crown is placed, your dentist will do a thorough bite analysis. They will look at things like how your teeth come together, how they look, and how you chew to determine how the crown should be designed and fabricated.
Clear communication with the laboratory
Typically, crowns are fabricated in a laboratory based on notes from the dental office. There is the expectation that the dentist is providing careful impressions, thorough pre-operative scans and detailed documentation so the lab has everything they need to create a perfect crown restoration. In our office, this includes notes on things like coloration, how the crown should fit, what it should look like, and photos, so that when you get the crown it looks like it belongs to you.
A comfortable temporary crown
Dental crowns often require several appointments. After the first appointment, you will leave with a temporary crown that you will have for two to three weeks before the permanent crown is placed. There is an expectation that the temporary will match the fingerprint of your bite and will feel comfortable, just like the final crown should.
If, for any reason, the temporary is not comfortable – please notify your dentist. The temporary crown is a good test run to work out any kinks before the dental crown is placed. Open communication is key to ensuring that you are happy with the results.
Methodical placement of the crown
When the final crown is placed, you can expect your dentist to execute a methodical placement of the crown that will result in long-term success. This includes things like ensuring that the seal is correct. We are striving for a vacuum seal that we call a vault door fit that will create a restoration that can last for 15-20 years.
Your dentist will also look at how the crown fits to the teeth next to it. In our office, we like to do a floss test and floss the tooth. The floss should be able to go through without catching on anything or breaking. We also do a mirror test and have the patient look at the crown before it is cemented. It should look like a natural tooth. At this point, we are also checking the bite and how the crown feels when you chew.
If during any of these tests, we discover an issue, we can adjust the crown to create a more harmonious environment.
A quality treatment experience
During your appointments, you should expect a comfortable, quality experience. If you were told how long the procedure should take, that expectation should be met. In addition, your dentist and his support team should have a flow that makes the procedure seem seamless. You should also feel adequately numb and comfortable throughout the treatment. Communicating any issues is important to ensuring a quality experience and we welcome feedback throughout the treatment.
The above is the expectation in our office when it comes to treatment with dental crowns. Whether you are scheduled to get your first crown or need another after a bad dental experience, we hope this helps put your mind at ease.
In need of a dental crown?
Many people put off getting a crown, because they’re afraid of what they don’t know. If you need a dental crown, we invite you to come in for a free consultation to meet our staff, answer your questions and address all of your concerns. We’re here to help you make an informed, comfortable decision.
Call our office to schedule a consultation. You can schedule an appointment online, or call us at 813-689-4226. Taking care of your dental needs today can help you keep your mouth healthy and prevent having to do a more invasive procedure such as a root canal or dental implant.