19 Jul 2016 Steps to Getting a Crown
If you have pain in a tooth that is caused by an infection or damage, then it is imperative to visit a dentist for an examination. A tooth crown is designed to protect the underlying structures of a tooth from additional damage while you are chewing food and drinking beverages.
Step One: Visiting Your Dentist for an Examination
When you have a tooth that is cracked or infected, visit a dentist immediately to determine if it is savable with a surgical procedure along with a customized dental restoration. Your dentist will collect medical images of your mouth to determine if an infection has spread to the jawbone or dental roots before prescribing medications such as antibiotics. Teeth have crowns because someone damaged the enamel surfaces of the structures in a vehicular accident or because of the damage caused by a large cavity.
Step Two: Have a Mold Created to Make a Crown
To make sure a dental restoration looks natural inside your mouth, a dentist creates a mold of the damaged tooth. With computer software, a dental laboratory technician can design a restoration that fits perfectly and feels comfortable. A tooth crown is made of durable water-resistant metals before it is covered with color-matching porcelain or composite materials.
Step Three: Root Canal or Endodontic Treatments
The damaged or infected tooth requires preparation with a root canal or endodontic treatment to remove:
- Bacteria
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
Your dentist will sedate you for this procedure, but when you wake-up after the procedure, you will have a new dental restoration that provides an attractive smile. To reach the roots of the tooth, a dentist removes the enamel from the top of the tooth before cutting away the pulp that contains the nerves that cause pain. The tooth’s roots are also removed before the dentist cleans the interior of the tooth to destroy bacteria.
Step Four: Filling the Damaged Tooth
To ensure the tooth has a sturdy biting surface, a dentist will fill the enamel with a durable material. Gutta-percha is the most common substance used to stabilize the interior of a damaged tooth that is ready for the application of a crown. This substance is a form of plastic that is derived from natural latex found inside certain species of trees. Some dentists also use an epoxy resin with gutta-percha to provide additional strength and stability for the damaged tooth.
Step Five: Covering the Tooth With the Crown
After the damaged tooth is sanitized, repaired and filled, the dentist can cover the remaining portion with the custom-made crown. It is fastened to the tooth with waterproof resins, and the dentist makes sure it fits correctly inside your mouth to provide a natural appearance and sturdy biting surface. Teeth with crowns are easy to take care of by brushing and flossing each day.
Call Your Dentist Today to Receive a Crown for a Damaged Tooth
Contact your dentist in Holladay, Utah, for more important facts about tooth crowns.