There are plenty of reasons that folks need dental crowns. The good news is dental crowns are a relatively routine procedure. It’s important to know what you’re getting into, so here’s what you need to know about dental crowns.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, here’s a quick synopsis of the different options.
- Temporary Crowns
These crowns provide a temporary solution to your dental issues while the permanent crown is made. - Metal Crowns
These crowns are quite durable but will have a silver look to them. - Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
These crowns are ideal for people who prefer a natural color but are also ideal for people who are allergic to metals. - Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are the most affordable option but have issues with durability. - Porcelain Fused to Metal
These crowns have a natural color but are so strong that they wear on the opposing teeth.
Getting Ready for a Dental Crown Procedure
Getting dental crowns requires two visits to the dentist. Once you’re done, the crowns are all set.
First Visit
The first visit to the dentist is when the prepping of the tooth is done. This is done with a root canal, and then a temporary crown is placed after an impression is made. One of the things that’s important is for the impression to be accurate, and that’s why many dentists today trust digital imaging systems for making impressions.
Second Visit
When it comes time for the permanent crown to be placed, you will need to visit the dentist the second time. This is the visit when the dentist ensures that the crown made at the lab fits the tooth along with having the right coloring for the rest of the mouth. The goal is to make sure the fit and coloration are right so that you don’t feel self-conscious about your crowns.
The tooth will be numbed up, and the permanent crown will be placed onto the tooth. A recommendation for many dentists is avoiding chewing sticky and hard stuff on that side of the mouth for a while as the crown settles in.