There are two main steps involved in a dental crown procedure which usually requires two visits to the dentist. The first step involves examining and preparing the tooth and the second step involves placement of the dental crown.
- Examining and preparing the tooth
- This is the initial process where the dentist prepares the tooth for the crown. The dentist might take a few x-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and the surrounding bone. If the tooth is found to have decayed or if there is a risk of infection, a root canal will be performed to treat the tooth.
- While preparing for the crown, the dentist will anesthetize (numb) the tooth and gum tissue around the tooth. The tooth will be filed down along the chewing surfaces and the sides to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used (for example, metal crowns are thinner than all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns). If a large area of the tooth is missing due to decay or damage, the dentist will use filling material to “build up” the tooth to support the crown.
- After the tooth is reshaped, the dentist will use a paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth for the crown. These impressions will be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured. In two to three weeks the crown is returned to the dentist’s office. If the crown is made of porcelain, the dentist will select the shade that most closely matches the color of your teeth.
- The dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being created. Temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic and are held in place using temporary cement.
- Receiving the permanent crown
- At the second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the fit and color of the permanent crown.
- If everything is satisfactory, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and the new crown will permanently be cemented in place.
Contact Dr. Aki Shirakura& Associates
Dental crowns are an excellent way to get a beautiful smile. Would you like to know if a dental crown is right for you? Contact the dentists at for a consultation. Call us at 914-303-6150 or email us at draki@drakicosmeticdentist.com