Why is this procedure done?
A dental crown is done when there has been damage to your natural tooth. Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to prevent more damage to your natural tooth if it is weak or broken. ‚
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover put over your tooth. The crown protects your tooth while smiling and chewing and improves its look. Temporary crowns are used to protect the tooth for a short time. A permanent crown is made to last much longer than a temporary crown. A dental crown can be made to match the color of your tooth. ‚
What will the results be?
You will have healthy use of your tooth because the crown will cover and protect your tooth. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist will take your history and look at your tooth. You may also need other tests, like an x-ray of your mouth.
- Talk to your dentist about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any allergies to metals and other materials
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
- Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant.
- Your dentist may give you drugs before and after your crown work to prevent pain and infection.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will need two visits to complete your crown work. Each visit may take about 60 minutes.
- During your first visit, your dentist will:
- Numb part of your mouth.
- Prepare your tooth for the crown by reshaping it. Your dentist will drill the tooth down so that the crown will fit over it.
- Put a temporary crown over your tooth.
- Make a mold of your tooth and the nearby teeth and send it to the dental lab. Your crown will be made to fit over the tooth. Your permanent crown will be ready in 2 to 3 weeks.
- During your second visit, the dentist may or may not numb your mouth. Your dentist will:
- Take off the temporary crown.
- Cement the new permanent crown in place.
- Adjust the crown to get your bite comfortable.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after your crown is in place.
- You may feel some discomfort around your tooth.
- Your dentist may give you instructions about what to eat and how to clean around your crown.
What care is needed at home?
Avoid these things when you have the temporary crown in place: ‚
- Sticky, chewy foods
- Eating and chewing on the side of your mouth with the temporary crown
- Biting on hard, crunchy foods
Slide floss out from between your teeth around the temporary crown instead up pulling up and down between your teeth. ‚
Call your dentist if your temporary crown comes off. They will tell you what to do. You may have to go back into the office to re-cement the temporary crown. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up visits your dentist may tell you if more care is needed. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain or sensitivity when eating or biting hot or cold foods. This most often goes away. If the pain ever wakes you from sleeping, contact your dentist.
- Temporary crown can fall off
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/Crowns.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚