Dental crowns are remarkable restorative appliances that can restore the function and appearance of a tooth that has suffered extensive damage due to decay or injury. Placing these devices requires the teeth receiving them to undergo a specialized preparation process that cannot be reversed, and understanding how the procedure works can make the procedure much less stressful. Here’s a brief guide to how your dentist can restore your tooth with a lovely dental crown.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are caps designed to mimic the appearance and strength of natural tooth structure, and they are used to restore compromised teeth so they can function well for many years to come. While dental crowns have traditionally been placed over the course of two appointments, modern technology allows dentists to place them in a single visit.
How Are Teeth Prepared for Dental Crowns?
The process of placing a dental crown begins with the dentist administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain, and you may also receive a sedation treatment if you need extra help staying calm and still throughout the procedure. Once you are ready, your dentist will remove the decayed tissue from your tooth and reshape it so it can properly support your crown. Traditionally, the dentist would place a temporary appliance to protect your tooth until your second appointment, but today’s crowns can be manufactured during the same visit they are placed.
How Can Dental Crowns Be Placed in a Single Day?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and it is a process that allows a dental crown to be crafted on the same day that the patient’s tooth is prepared to receive it. After your dentist has prepared your tooth to receive its crown, they will use a special device to create a digital map of your mouth. Using this data, an advanced machine will mill a customized crown from a ceramic block in about an hour or two.
Once your appliance is ready, your dentist will cement it to your tooth and check its fitness before sending you on your way. While you may experience some slight discomfort in the days afterward, this will be temporary and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers.
About the Practice
Sage Dental Care offers the finest oral health services in Reno. Led by Drs. Josh Branco and Ah Young Kim, the staff ensures that each patient receives outstanding care and genuine compassion in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about the dental crown process, contact the office on the web.