Dental crowns are a type of prosthetic that is fixed on top of your existing teeth to cover damage or implants. Some patients choose to get a crown for cosmetic reasons as well, such as discoloration or a gap between teeth. Most patients choose to get either a ceramic or porcelain crown because they look the most similar to natural teeth, but stainless steel and resin crowns are also available. To decide which type of crown is right for you, you should speak with your dentist to discuss cost, pros, and cons.
The Procedure
Getting a crown is typically a process that requires two separate visits to the dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist will look at the tooth getting the crown and discuss your options. If the natural tooth is badly damaged or cracked a filling may be needed before the tooth can support a crown. Once the tooth has been examined and filled, the dentist will create a mold of the tooth receiving the crown and those immediately surrounding it. This mold will then be used to create a crown that will perfectly fit and blend into your other teeth. At the end of the first visit, your dentist will create a temporary crown to fit over the tooth. Temporary crowns may not be necessary if the crown is being ordered for cosmetic reasons only.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed if you had one placed and the new crown will be attached to your tooth. A special adhesive is used to fit the crown over your tooth to create a seamless transition. At first, the new crown may feel unusual in your mouth. As days past and you get used to the feel and look of your new crown it will function just as your natural teeth do.
How Much Does it Hurt?
Many people are afraid of the dentist because they worry the process will hurt, and the same worry can be applied to getting a crown. Getting a crown should be a virtually painless process from the first visit to the last. Your mouth will be numbed before any filling or fitting is done by your dentist. After the procedure, you may feel slightly uncomfortable for a day or two as the numbing wears off, but your dentist will likely instruct you to take an over the counter pain reliever to manage the pain.
At South Boston Family Dental, our goal is to make you comfortable with your procedure before you go in for your scheduled appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to answer! You can call us at 617-268-5638 or contact us on our website!