What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure in Scottsdale

Getting a dental crown may sound intimidating, but understanding the process can ease your worries and make the experience more comfortable. Dental crowns are an essential solution for restoring damaged teeth, whether from decay, fractures, or cosmetic issues. If you're scheduled for a dental crown procedure in Scottsdale, it's helpful to know what the process entails, how to prepare, and what to expect afterward.

In this blog, we'll take you through the step-by-step journey of getting a dental crown, providing you with the essential information you need to feel confident during your appointment.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made "cap" that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often recommended for a variety of reasons, including:

• Protecting a weak or cracked tooth

• Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth

• Covering a tooth after a root canal treatment

• Improving the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth

• Supporting a dental bridge

The procedure typically requires two visits to your dentist. During the first visit, your tooth is prepared, and impressions are taken. In the second visit, your permanent crown is fitted and cemented into place.

Preparing for the Procedure: What to Know Beforehand

Before your dental crown appointment, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to ensure the procedure is appropriate for your dental health. X-rays may be taken to assess the underlying bone and roots, ensuring that your tooth can support a crown.

If your tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a root canal treatment may be necessary before placing the crown. This step helps to remove any infection and ensure the tooth is strong enough to support the crown in the long term. If a root canal is needed, it will be scheduled as a separate procedure before the crown process begins.

It's important to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your dentist beforehand. Understanding the steps involved and how they relate to your specific dental situation will help you feel more at ease.

Step 1: The First Appointment – Tooth Preparation

The first appointment is focused on preparing your tooth for the crown. This involves a few key steps:

1. Numbing the Area

Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. This will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.

2. Shaping the Tooth

Once the area is numb, your dentist will file down the tooth to make room for the crown. If a large portion of the tooth is missing due to decay or damage, they may need to build it up using a filling material to create enough structure to support the crown.

3. Taking Impressions

After shaping the tooth, your dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth as well as the surrounding teeth. These impressions are crucial because they ensure the crown fits properly and aligns with your bite. In some cases, digital scans may be used instead of traditional impressions.

4. Temporary Crown Placement

Since your permanent crown will take a few days or weeks to be made in a dental lab, your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime. This temporary crown helps maintain function and appearance while preventing sensitivity and discomfort.

Step 2: The Second Appointment – Crown Placement

After your custom crown has been created, your second appointment will be scheduled. During this visit, the permanent crown is fitted and secured. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Removing the Temporary Crown

Your dentist will carefully remove the temporary crown, ensuring the underlying tooth is clean and free of debris.

2. Fitting the Permanent Crown

The dentist will position the permanent crown over your tooth, checking its fit and making any necessary adjustments to ensure it's comfortable and aligns perfectly with your bite.

3. Cementing the Crown

Once both you and the dentist are satisfied with the fit, the crown will be permanently cemented into place. Your dentist will use a special dental adhesive to secure the crown, making sure it's stable and secure.

4. Final Adjustments

Your dentist will make final adjustments, such as polishing the crown and ensuring your bite feels natural. They may also take another look at how your upper and lower teeth come together to make sure the crown doesn’t affect your chewing or cause discomfort.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Once your permanent crown is in place, it may take a few days to adjust to how it feels. Here are some common things you may experience:

• Sensitivity

You might notice some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, but this should subside within a few days. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, contact your dentist for a follow-up.

• Discomfort

It’s normal to feel a bit of discomfort after the procedure, especially where the anesthetic was administered. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any mild soreness.

• Bite Adjustment

It may take a little while for your bite to feel completely natural. If you notice any ongoing discomfort or feel like your teeth don’t align properly, you should schedule a follow-up visit for a bite adjustment.

Your dental crown should last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper care. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to prolong the life of your crown and prevent any issues with the surrounding teeth.

When to Contact Your Dentist

After your procedure, be mindful of how your crown feels. If you notice the following issues, you should reach out to your dentist in Scottsdale AZ right away:

• Persistent pain or sensitivity that doesn’t improve after a few days

• The crown feels loose or falls off

• Difficulty chewing or changes in your bite

Catching these issues early will help you avoid more serious problems and ensure your crown functions as it should.

Conclusion

A dental crown is a highly effective way to restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth. The process is straightforward, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about your treatment. With the expert care of a dentist in Scottsdale AZ, you can enjoy long-lasting results that will improve both your dental health and smile.