Your Dental Crown Procedure: What To Expect from Dental Crowns

At URBN Dental, we understand that the decision to undergo a dental crown procedure can be exciting and daunting. Dental crowns serve a crucial role in restoring damaged or weakened teeth, improving functionality, and enhancing the aesthetics of your smile. Whether you’re considering a dental crown to address tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or to support a dental implant, it’s essential to know what to expect throughout the process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the procedure, from initial consultation to post-procedure care.

Table of Contents

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1. Initial Consultation and Examination

Before initiating any dental treatment, including receiving dental crowns, we’ll begin with a thorough initial consultation and examination. This initial step is crucial as it allows us to gather essential information about your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and address any concerns or questions you may have. During this visit, one of our experienced dentists will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral structures.

We may also take X-rays or other imaging scans to assess the condition of the affected tooth and its surrounding tissues. These diagnostic tools provide valuable insights into the extent of the damage or decay and help us determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs. Throughout the consultation, we encourage open communication and welcome any questions or input you may have regarding your dental health and treatment options.

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2. Treatment Planning and Tooth Preparation

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information and determined that a dental crown is the best course of action, we’ll proceed with treatment planning and tooth preparation. This phase involves several steps, beginning with the shaping of the tooth to accommodate the crown properly. Depending on the extent of damage or decay, this may require removing a portion of the tooth’s structure to create a stable foundation for the crown.

In some cases, if the tooth is severely compromised, we may need to build it up with a filling material to provide additional support for the crown. This step is crucial for ensuring the long-term success and stability of the restoration. Throughout the tooth preparation process, we prioritize your comfort and use local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort or sensitivity.

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3. Choosing the Right Type of Crown

At URBN Dental, we offer a variety of dental crown options to suit your individual needs and preferences. Each type of crown has its unique advantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, and suitability for different areas of the mouth. During your consultation, we’ll take the time to discuss the benefits and limitations of each option, considering factors such as the location of the affected tooth, your budget, and your cosmetic preferences.

Common types of dental crowns include:

  • Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns are renowned for their natural appearance and ability to mimic the color and translucency of natural teeth. They are an excellent choice for restoring front or highly visible teeth.
  • Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They are often recommended for restoring back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
  • All-Ceramic Crowns: All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic material, offering exceptional aesthetics and biocompatibility. They are an ideal choice for individuals with metal allergies or sensitivities.
  • Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to fracture. They are suitable for both front and back teeth and offer excellent long-term reliability.
  • Gold Crowns: Gold crowns are highly durable and biocompatible, making them an excellent choice for individuals who grind their teeth or have a history of metal allergies.

During the selection process, we’ll consider factors such as the location of the affected tooth, your budget, and your cosmetic preferences to help you make an informed decision. Choosing the right types of dental crowns is crucial to ensure safe treatment and to protect your weak tooth from damage. Depending on your needs, we may offer metal or resin crowns, a temporary dental crown, or a permanent crown. Metal crowns rarely chip, but porcelain-fused-to-metal may be better for those who want the crowned tooth to resemble a natural tooth.

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4. Fabrication of the Final Crown

After tooth preparation is complete and the type of crown has been chosen, we’ll proceed with the fabrication of your custom-designed dental crown. This process typically involves taking impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance. These impressions serve as a blueprint for our skilled technicians in our dental laboratory, who will craft your final crown with meticulous attention to detail.

Using advanced CAD/CAM technology and high-quality materials, such as porcelain or zirconia, our technicians will sculpt your crown to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth seamlessly. We understand the importance of achieving a perfect fit and aesthetic harmony, and we’ll carefully evaluate the crown before finalizing the fabrication process.

Throughout the fabrication process, we’ll keep you informed of the progress and provide updates as needed. Our goal is to deliver a durable, lifelike restoration that meets your expectations and restores both function and beauty to your smile.

5. Temporary Crown Placement (If Necessary)

In some cases, if a dental crown cannot be fabricated on the same day as tooth preparation, we may place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the final crown is being fabricated. Temporary crowns serve as interim restorations, providing protection and maintaining the space and function of the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

During the temporary crown placement, we’ll carefully fit the temporary crown over the prepared tooth using temporary dental cement. It’s essential to take proper care of your temporary crown and avoid chewing sticky or hard foods to prevent dislodgment or damage. While temporary crowns are not as durable as permanent crowns, they provide temporary protection and aesthetics until the final restoration can be placed.

6. Final Crown Placement

Once your final crown is ready, typically within a couple of weeks, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment for final crown placement. During this visit, we’ll begin by removing the temporary crown (if applicable) and thoroughly clean and prepare the prepared tooth for the permanent crown. We’ll then carefully assess the fit, shape, and color of the final crown to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth and achieves optimal aesthetics.

Before cementing the crown into place, we’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure a precise fit and comfortable bite. Once we’re satisfied with the placement, we’ll permanently bond the crown to the prepared tooth using dental cement. This secure bonding process ensures the crown remains stable and functional for years to come.

Throughout the final crown placement procedure, we’ll prioritize your comfort and address any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to leave our office with a beautifully restored smile and renewed confidence.

7. Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance

After your dental crown has been placed, it’s crucial to follow good oral hygiene practices to maintain its longevity and prevent complications. Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring the continued health and stability of your crown and surrounding teeth. Here are some essential tips for caring for your new dental crown:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent decay.
  • Floss daily to clean between your teeth and along the gumline, removing food particles and bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
  • Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings to monitor the health of your crown and address any issues or concerns promptly.
  • Avoid chewing hard objects, such as ice or pens, as this can damage your crown or cause it to become dislodged.
  • Be mindful of your diet and limit your consumption of sticky or hard foods that may place excessive stress on your crown or surrounding teeth.
  • If you experience any discomfort or sensitivity or notice any issues with your crown, contact us immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

By following these simple guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help prolong the lifespan of your dental crown and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Visit URBN Dental for Dental Crowns in Houston

At URBN Dental, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional dental care and ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout every step of the dental crown procedure. From the initial consultation to the final placement of your crown and beyond, our team is here to support you and address any questions or concerns you may have. With our expertise and personalized approach to treatment, you can trust us to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

If you’re considering a dental crown procedure or have any dental concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at one of our convenient locations in Houston, including Uptown Houston, Midtown Houston, Montrose, City Center, Katy, East River, and Houston Heights. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward restoring your smile with URBN Dental.

Book Your Appointment at URBN Dental To know more about how to treat decayed and broken teeth

Visit us today at URBN Dental as a walk in patient or call us at 832-743-2989 for an appointment at a time of your choosing! Here is to permanent smiles and stronger teeth for all!

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