Dental crowns are a popular and reliable restoration option for weak or broken teeth. A dental crown can protect and strengthen your tooth while also enhancing its appearance if you have a broken tooth, a significant cavity, or you recently had a root canal. One of the queries you might have if you’re thinking about getting a dental crown is, “How long does it take to have a crown fitted?” We’ll outline the steps involved in this blog post.
What is a Dental Crown? Why Might You Need One?
Dental crowns or “caps” are small, customizable prosthetics that slip over the visible portion of a tooth. They are made according to the patient’s oral dimensions so that, once they’re in place, they don’t wriggle around or fall out. A dental crown can be considered a form of restorative dentistry, but it can also be classified as a type of cosmetic care; this is because functionality and appearance go hand in hand. Dental crowns are also a great way to preserve the structural integrity of a tooth.
This avenue of treatment can be used to address a range of smile issues, including the following:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Severe stains
- Large cavities
- Protect a tooth that’s had a root canal
- To keep a dental bridge in place.
- Covering up a newly-installed dental implant
- Cover teeth that are misshapen
- Protecting a worn-down tooth
Dental crowns are a versatile treatment option, and can help patients get back to experience optimal oral health in no time. Our dentist can address any queries or concerns you might have about the process during a preliminary session. If you deal with dental anxiety, you may want to discuss the use of local anesthesia or, in more severe cases, sedation dentistry.
The Dental Crown Fitting Process
Initial Consultation (1-2 days)
An initial appointment with our dentist usually marks the beginning of the dental crown procedure. Our dentist will examine your tooth and go through your treatment choices during this session. Our dentist will use x-rays to determine the level of the damage and create a plan for the dental crown if it is determined that it is the best course of action.
Tooth Preparation (1-2 days)
After you and our dentist have opted for a dental crown, the preparation of the tooth comes next. Our dentist will first numb the area surrounding the troubled tooth before removing any decayed or damaged areas. To ensure that the crown fits securely over the tooth, they will additionally reshape it. Although this treatment often concludes in a single visit, in some circumstances a temporary crown can be fitted while a permanent one is being made.
Impression (1-2 days)
Our dentist will make an impression of the prepared tooth in order to make a custom-fitted crown. This entails taking an exact measurement of the size and shape of your tooth using dental cement or digital scanning devices. The permanent crown will subsequently be made at the dental laboratory from the impression. Depending on the workload of the dental laboratory, this phase can last a few days to a few weeks.
Temporary Crown (1-2 weeks, if needed)
You will wear a temporary crown that our dentist places while you wait for the permanent one to be created. Until the permanent crown is prepared, temporary crowns, which can be made of acrylic, are designed to protect your teeth and preserve your bite.
Crown Placement
You’ll make an appointment with our dentist for a dental cap procedure once your permanent crown is prepared for the final fitting. Our dentist will remove the temporary crown and thoroughly clean your tooth before placing the permanent one on top of it. They’ll examine the fit, shape, and colour to make sure it appears and functions just like a natural tooth. Before the crown is properly positioned, any essential corrections will be made.
Same Day Crown
A dental crown can sometimes be placed the same day. The utilization of advanced dental technology, such as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, makes this approach, often known as “same-day crowns” or “single-visit crowns,” possible.
It is crucial to keep in mind that not all dental offices possess the tools or knowledge necessary to provide same-day crowns. It depends on the tools and experience that particular dental office has on hand. Our dentist will go over your options with you and let you know if your particular situation might allow for same-day dental crown treatment.
Enhance Your Smile with Quality Restorative Care
At Harmony Dental Care, our team of qualified dentists in Waterloo has the experience and privilege of having enhanced countless smiles. Our dental crowns are made specifically for you, whether you have a cracked tooth or a cavity, or you just want to make your smile more aesthetically pleasing.
Discover the benefits of restorative dentistry and book an appointment with us! You can get in contact with us via phone call, email, or drop by our location today. We anticipate your visit!