Porcelain Crowns: How This Procedure Can Restore Your Smile Posted By : Daniel Beasley

Dental crowns are an effective treatment option that dentists use for severely damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown is a tooth shaped covering made of metal, ceramic or porcelain that restores strength and function to a damaged tooth. If you need a dental crown, learn more about what happens during the dental crown procedure. This will help you prepare and decide if a dental crown is the right cosmetic dentistry option for you.



Before the Dental Crown Procedure

Before you can have dental crowns placed you need to have a standard dental exam. The cosmetic dentist will make sure that all necessary repairs are made to your teeth before doing any cosmetic dentistry procedures. Teeth that are being capped with a dental crown need to be repaired as well. Often, teeth that are capped have a root canal first.



During the Dental Crown Procedure

Once all damage has been repaired the dentist will need to prepare the tooth for the dental crown. This will require the dentist to remove some of your natural tooth to accommodate the crown. They may also need to buff down some of the surrounding teeth.



Once the teeth are prepared the dentist will take a mold of the tooth. The mold is taken with dental putty. The impression is then sent to a lab so a custom dental crown can be made. While you wait for that crown you will wear a temporary dental crown.



When your dental crown comes in from the lab you will return to the dentist to complete the dental crown procedure. The temporary dental crown will be removed and the permanent one will be checked for fit. Once the fit is secure the dental crown will be bonded to the tooth with dental cement.



After the Dental Crown Procedure

The dental crown is semi permanent in the sense that it does not last forever. Most dental crowns last about 10 years. The longevity of your dental crown can be increased by having a good dental hygiene routine.

Restorative dentistry can repair the functionality of your smile through the use of porcelain crowns, dental implants, dentures, and more. A qualified restorative dentist can evaluate your teeth and can recommend the best procedures to restore your smile.