The Process and Benefits of Getting a Dental Crown

If you’ve been told that you need a dental crown, you probably have questions about what happens next. Understanding the dental crown process can help you feel more confident before treatment, from the initial examination to the final placement of your restoration. If you’re considering dental crowns in Monroe, knowing what to expect can make it easier to prepare for your appointment.

A dental crown is often recommended when a tooth is damaged, weakened, cracked, or has a large filling that no longer provides enough support. In some cases, a crown is also placed after root canal treatment to help protect the tooth and restore normal function.

The good news is that the dental crown process is typically straightforward. Depending on your individual needs, your treatment may involve a traditional crown completed over two visits or a same-day CEREC crown that can often be placed in a single appointment.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It is sometimes called a “cap” because it covers the visible portion of the tooth.

A dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth needs more protection or structural support than a filling can provide. Crowns can also be used to restore the shape and appearance of a tooth.

Common reasons for needing a crown include:

• Significant tooth decay
• A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
• A tooth weakened by a large filling
• A tooth that has received root canal treatment
• A severely worn or damaged tooth
• Certain cosmetic or restorative concerns

The goal is to preserve the tooth when possible while restoring its ability to function normally.

Types of Crowns Offered

At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer two types of crowns to cater to the needs and preferences of our patients:

Same-Day Crowns (CEREC)

Our same-day crowns, made using advanced CEREC technology, are an excellent option for patients who want a quick and efficient solution. Instead of requiring multiple visits, same-day crowns are crafted and placed in just one appointment. Here’s how the process works:

• Digital Impressions: Using modern scanning technology, we take precise digital impressions of your tooth, eliminating the need for traditional molds.
• Computer-Aided Design: The digital impression is used to create a 3D model of your crown with exact precision.
• In-Office Crafting: We use a milling machine to fabricate your crown from durable ceramic material, right in our office.
• Same-Day Placement: Once your crown is ready, it is bonded to your tooth, providing immediate restoration.

Traditional Crowns

Traditional crowns are a tried-and-true option for restoring damaged teeth. This process typically requires two visits, as the crown is fabricated in an external lab. A temporary crown is placed while you wait for your permanent one to be made. The steps involved in this process include:

• Tooth Preparation: The damaged tooth is reshaped, and decayed areas are removed to make room for the crown.
• Impressions: Impressions of the prepared tooth are taken and sent to a lab where the crown is custom-made.
• Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.
• Final Placement: During a second visit, the permanent crown is bonded to your tooth, completing the restoration.

Benefits of Same-Day Crowns

At Eddleman Dental in Monroe, LA, we are proud to offer same-day crowns using CEREC technology. These crowns come with several advantages:

• Single Appointment: The entire process, from taking digital impressions to placing the crown, is completed in one visit, saving you time.
• Precision: The digital design and manufacturing process ensures that your crown fits perfectly, providing optimal comfort and function.
• Natural Aesthetics: Same-day crowns are made from high-quality ceramic material that mimics the look of natural teeth, offering a beautiful, seamless appearance.
• Conservative Treatment: The advanced digital technology allows for more precise tooth preparation, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

What Materials Are Crowns Made Of?

Crowns are crafted from different materials, each providing its own set of advantages. At Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer:

• Full Porcelain Crowns: These crowns offer the most natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your other teeth.
• Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: These crowns combine the durability of a metal base with the cosmetic appeal of a porcelain exterior, making them a strong and discreet option.

The Dental Crown Procedure

Getting a dental crown at Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA is designed to be as stress-free as possible. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the procedure:

• Examination and Consultation: Dr. Eddleman will assess your tooth to determine the best type of crown for your needs.
• Tooth Preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the crown.
• Impressions: For same-day crowns, we use digital impressions. For traditional crowns, we take physical impressions to send to the lab.
• Temporary Crown (if applicable): If you’re getting a traditional crown, a temporary one will be placed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
• Crown Fabrication: Same-day crowns are created in-office, while traditional crowns are sent to an external lab for crafting.
• Crown Placement: Once your crown is ready, it will be carefully bonded to your tooth, restoring its function and appearance.

Recovery and Aftercare

Once your crown is placed, you can expect it to function just like a natural tooth. It may take a few days to adjust to the feel of the new crown, but this is normal. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, which may include advice on eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

With the right care, dental crowns can provide long-lasting durability for many years. To ensure their longevity, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily and attending regular dental check-ups every six months.

Getting a Dental Crown: Request Your Appointment in Monroe, LA Today

If you think you may need a dental crown or want to learn more about the benefits of dental crowns, we’re here to help. Request your appointment with Eddleman Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Monroe, LA today!

FAQs

How many appointments does a dental crown require?

It depends on the type of crown and your individual treatment. Same-day CEREC crowns may be completed during one appointment when appropriate, while traditional crowns generally require a preparation appointment and a later visit to place the permanent restoration.

Can a crown be placed after a root canal?

Yes. A crown may be recommended after root canal treatment when additional protection and structural support are needed. The appropriate restoration depends on the condition and location of the tooth.

Will my crown look like a natural tooth?

Modern tooth-colored crowns can be designed to blend with the surrounding teeth. Your dentist will consider the crown’s shape, color, and appearance when planning the restoration.

Can the tooth under a crown get a cavity?

Yes. The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath or around the edge of the crown can develop decay if oral hygiene is inadequate. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental examinations remain important.

What happens if my temporary crown falls out?

Contact your dental office for instructions. A temporary crown is meant to protect the prepared tooth until the permanent restoration is ready, so it shouldn’t simply be ignored if it comes loose.

Is a dental crown better than a filling?

Neither is automatically better. A filling may be appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains, while a crown may be recommended when a tooth needs more extensive coverage and support. Your dentist can determine which restoration is appropriate after examining the tooth.