Preparing for a Dental Crown: How a Tooth Gets Ready for Restoration

At first, the dental crown process can appear to be simple. After all, they are commonly called caps, so getting one should be as easy as putting the prosthetic over the tooth, right? It turns out that the process is a little more complicated.

Before a crown can be placed onto a tooth, certain preparation needs to happen. Keep reading to learn what this preparation looks like and how it leads to a perfectly fitted crown.

Preliminary Treatment

In many cases, teeth receive crowns because something went wrong. They can get cavities, deep cracks, or drastic chips, leaving the tooth unable to function as it should and more vulnerable to infection. In this situation, the decayed or damaged structure must be removed before a crown can be placed over the tooth.

As a result, sometimes root canal treatment is necessary. This procedure entails removing the pulp, which houses the central nerve of the tooth and extends into the roots of the tooth. After sanitizing and sealing the inner chamber, the dentist can then worry about the rest of the preparation.

Dental Crown Preparation

Although preliminary treatment is common for dental crowns, they do not always require root canal treatment or other therapy prior to preparation. Sometimes, a crown can be placed on a misshapen tooth that still needs to be prepared. Keep in mind that whether you have prior work or just the crown preparation, you’ll be numb and unable to feel discomfort during the process.

This preparation consists of reducing enamel on the outside of the tooth where necessary. Removing healthy enamel may seem illogical, but it is essential to make room for the prosthetic. Otherwise, the crown would look unnatural and draw unwanted attention.

Impressions and Lab Work

After the tooth has been fully prepared, impressions are collected. Digital impressions are taken with a small device that fits within the mouth and scans it without anyone experiencing discomfort. Within seconds, a 3D model of the patient’s mouth appears on the screen. Before leaving, the patient has a temporary crown put on the tooth to protect it while the custom restoration is fabricated.

The dental impressions go to a dental lab, where the permanent crown is precisely crafted to fit the patient’s unique mouth. Finally, the crown is bonded in place, completing the patient’s smile.

Ultimately, the preparation stage is crucial if you want to receive a crown that looks and feels natural. Instead of having a cap that stands out in a bad way, you can have a realistic prosthetic that blends in perfectly as a result of the preparation your dentist performs.

About the Practice

Amherst Dental Group’s dentists proudly serve Williamsville and the surrounding communities with basically all dental needs. Our practice has decades of experience working with various dental insurance plans and can help individuals and families maximize their benefits. If you would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team online or call our office at 716-689-8882.