What to Expect from the Dental Crown Procedure?
May 1, 2023
What Is a Dental Crown?
It is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
A dental crowns in East York, Toronto, ON, completely covers the visible portion of a natural tooth when restoring it, extending down to the gum line. It is the reason dental crowns are also called dental caps. In fact, they fully encapsulate a natural tooth as though to substitute the damaged tooth enamel.
The Procedure for Getting Dental Crowns
A dental crown procedure involves the following steps:
- A comprehensive dental exam with your dentist – during the consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and recommend a dental crown only if it is necessary. If not, you may be a candidate for other treatments like veneers, dental fillings, composite bonding, or tooth extraction.
- Preparation of your tooth – your dentist prepares the target tooth by removing the enamel to make room for the crown. They will then take impressions of the prepared teeth to create a custom-made crown.
- Temporary crown – after preparation, your natural tooth structure remains weak and susceptible to infections and damage. Therefore, your dentist will place a temporary crown. It is also necessary because of the extended wait time for the permanent crown. Since its creation occurs in a dental laboratory for about 2 weeks, while waiting for the permanent crown, you need a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
- Placement of the crown – once your custom-made crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and replace it with the permanent one. The process entails dental cement to secure the crown in place.
What Happens to Your Mouth After Receiving a Dental Crown?
At Danforth Village Dental Care, we have found that inadequate preparation causes many patients to develop anxieties during and after treatments. Our responsibility to care for you during the procedure is never compromised. However, also prepare for what happens after your treatment. Some of the side effect patients experience after dental crowns are:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures – is usually temporary and should go away within a few days.
- Discomfort or soreness around the tooth that received the crown. Dentists usually recommend managing this with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Allergic reactions to the materials used to make the crown – it is a very rare outcome of dental crown procedures.
- Gum irritation or inflammation around the area of the crown
- The temporary crown loosening before the permanent crown – it can be uncomfortable, but your dentist can quickly fix it by re-cementing the temporary crown.
- Speech difficulty initially due to the new shape of the crown – it should improve as you get used to it.
Aftercare Tips to Manage Side Effects and Optimize Health After Dental Crowns
Some aftercare tips are crucial if you want to maximize the benefits of having dental crowns in East York, Toronto, ON. Some of them include:
- Practice good oral hygiene using the right products and techniques for brushing and flossing daily. For instance, opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid damaging the crown.
Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage or dislodge the crown. Stick to soft foods for the first few days after the procedure, and avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the crown. It should get easier to eat the foods you want as your mouth gets used to the porcelain teeth.
- Manage pain and discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Follow the dosage instructions on the label or as recommended by your dentist.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco as they can delay healing and increase the risk of complications such as infections.
- Attend follow-up appointments with our dentist in East York to ensure the crown fits correctly and eliminate room for complications.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
- Be mindful of oral habits, such as chewing on non-food items such as pencils or ice, which can damage the crown.