Behind the Scenes: The Art of Preparing Dental Crowns

Have you ever wondered what kind of work goes into something like a dental crown? The little pieces of ceramic tooth don’t make themselves, after all. And what about the work that goes into actually preparing your tooth for the crown placement?

Continue reading to satisfy your curiosity. Learn how your dentist prepares teeth for dental crown placement, and how the prosthetic is made specifically for you.

What Is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are tooth replacements that will restore a broken or decayed tooth to full functionality. Once the crown is placed in your mouth, your smile looks complete and natural.

These prosthetics not only strengthen weakened teeth but also provide protection and long-term support, allowing you to enjoy a confident smile and continue to live life without worry.

What Is the Process for a Dental Crown?

The process begins with a trip to your dentist where you’ll discuss your smile goals. Your dentist will listen to what you want to have done and work out a treatment plan to get you to where you want to be.

A Dental Exam

Next, your dentist will perform a thorough dental exam complete with X-rays to get a baseline of where your smile stands. If the two of you determined that a dental crown is your best way forward, the treatment can begin.

Preparing The Site

Your dentist will use their instruments to remove damage and decay from your tooth, leaving behind a sturdy, clean “stub” that can be used to anchor your crown in place.

They will then use a special dental silicone to make an impression of the stub next to your other teeth. This will give the technicians at the dental lab an accurate measurement of the space that needs to be filled.

Your dentist will then place a temporary crown over the stub to protect it from damage while your permanent prosthetic is made.

Preparing The Crown

The impression is eventually sent off to a special dental lab for processing. A technician will use the impression your dentist took to make a mold. The mold is then used to cast a small replica of the final prosthetic.

Finally, a technician at the lab uses the cast to build up layers of enamel and polish until the crown is completely done. Quality control makes sure that the crown looks natural and has the right fit before shipping it to your dentist.

Installing The Crown

After your dentist receives the crown from the dental lab, they’ll have you come in for a follow-up appointment.

The temporary crown is removed, and the stub is cleaned of any leftover dental cement or food debris that might have built up. Your dentist then uses a special permanent cement to place the permanent crown over your tooth. Voilà! Your new crown is complete.

As you can see, there is a lot of love that is put into a dental crown treatment. If you’re considering dental crowns as part of your oral health journey, consult with your dentist to explore the options best suited to your needs, ensuring a future filled with confidence and brilliant smiles.

About the Practice

Dr. Jacqueline T. Nguyen and Dr. Masoud E. Najari are your Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry team! With their combined expertise and passion for dental care, they are committed to providing the highest quality services to enhance your oral health and confidence. Their compassionate approach, along with their commitment to staying at the forefront of dental technology, ensures that you receive personalized, state-of-the-art treatments. To schedule an appointment for a dental crown, call (972) 516-2928 or visit the website to learn more.