A dental crown is a metal, porcelain, resin, or ceramic covering that fits over a tooth damaged from decay, trauma, or wear over time. Dr. Singh may recommend crowns to protect a weak tooth that is severely cracked or to cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. Crowns are made with the grooves and cusps that regular teeth have so that they can function virtually as normal teeth.
What is a crown and when is it necessary?
What is a crown procedure like?
Placing a crown is a complex procedure that typically requires more than one visit. First, the tooth receiving the crown is evaluated through clinical examination and radiographic imaging. At that point, Dr. Singh will determine whether a root canal procedure is necessary before proceeding with the crown placement.
The next step is to prepare the tooth by filing it down to make room for the crown. Then an impression of the filed-down tooth and surrounding teeth will be made and sent to a dental lab for the precise fitting of your crown. Since this will typically take more than a week, Dr. Singh will place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while you wait.
At your next visit, Dr. Singh will remove your temporary crown and check the newly arrived permanent crown for fit and color. During the permanent placement of the crown, patients are given a form of anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Then, the crown is cemented into its permanent place.
What aftercare is needed when receiving a dental crown?
After a dental crown is placed, most patients experience soreness, swelling, and irritation in the affected area for at least a few days, although these symptoms may persist for up to 2 weeks. Rinsing the mouth with salt water a few times daily will help with the healing process, and over-the-counter pain medications should be enough to manage the discomfort.
Continue good dental hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, to protect the tooth beneath the crown. If your crown is made of porcelain, it is also essential to avoid chewing on hard substances, such as ice or popcorn hulls, to prevent cracking. If your crown contains metal, you may see a dark line near your gum line. This is normal and is simply the metal portion showing through.
