Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. Whether it’s due to decay, a fracture, or following a root canal, a crown can protect the tooth and restore its appearance and function. But before a crown can be placed, the tooth must first be properly prepared. This preparation is a crucial step in ensuring that the crown fits securely, functions properly, and lasts for many years. Here’s a step-by-step look at how dentists prepare teeth for crowns.
Examining the Tooth and Taking X-rays
The process begins with a thorough examination. Your dentist will assess the tooth’s condition and may take X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If the tooth is severely decayed or there’s a risk of infection or injury to the pulp, a root canal may be needed before placing the crown.
Numbing the Area
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. This step helps prevent any pain while the tooth is being prepared.
Shaping the Tooth
Once the area is numb, the dentist will reshape the tooth to make room for the crown. This involves removing a portion of the tooth’s outer structure. The amount of tooth removed depends on the type of crown being used—metal crowns require less reduction than porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
If the tooth is broken or has a lot of decay, your dentist may first build it up using filling material to ensure it has enough structure to support the crown.
Taking Impressions
After the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth, as well as the surrounding teeth. This can be done using a putty-like material or a digital scanner. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is custom-made to fit your tooth precisely.
In some offices that use CAD/CAM technology, the crown may be designed and fabricated in-house on the same day.
Placing a Temporary Crown
While waiting for the permanent crown to be made, your dentist will place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth. This crown protects the tooth and maintains your smile and bite until the permanent one is ready. Temporary crowns are usually made from acrylic or composite materials and are held in place with temporary cement.
Final Fitting and Cementation
At your follow-up appointment—usually one to two weeks later—your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one. They’ll check the fit, bite, and color before permanently cementing the crown into place.
Preparing a tooth for a crown is a multi-step process that ensures your restored tooth will be strong, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. With proper preparation and care, a crown can last many years and help protect your natural tooth from further damage. If your dentist recommends a crown, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident about your dental care.
About the Author
Dr. Barry R. Franzen is a 1985 graduate of the Marquette University School of Dentistry. Upon graduating, he received his prosthodontic training at the University of Missouri and Truman Medical Center. Dr. Franzen is a leader in the field of implantology and has been recognized in both America’s Top Dentists and Milwaukee’s Lifestyle Magazine. Today, he stays current in his field through memberships in the American Dental Association and the Wisconsin Dental Association. If you need to restore a damaged tooth with a dental crown, let our team serve you! Schedule an appointment through our website or call us at (414) 543-5432.