While dental crowns may seem like an amazing new form of dental technology since they are so uncannily lifelike, the truth is that dentists have been using these appliances in some form to restore damaged teeth for thousands of years. However, placing these appliances today is more comfortable and convenient than it has ever been before. Here’s a brief guide to how dental crowns are placed and how the process is rendered completely painless.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are restorative devices designed to restore the structure, appearance, and function of teeth compromised by injury, decay, or procedures such as root canals, and they also serve to prevent further dental damage and infections. One of these devices can help a troubled tooth last much longer than it would otherwise, and modern appliances can be crafted from lifelike materials to ensure that they are indistinguishable from your natural dental structure.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
The process of placing a dental crown is completely painless and typically takes two appointments. During the first, your dentist will begin by administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure your comfort before removing any decayed material from the tooth being treated. You may also receive sedation if necessary. Then, they will take impressions of your bite and place a temporary restoration on the treated tooth. These impressions will be sent to a trusted dental lab where a skilled technician will craft your final crown.
You’ll come back to your dentist’s office about two weeks later to have your temporary restoration removed and your final dental crown placed. After any final adjustments to make sure the device fits right, works well, and looks great, you’ll be ready to show off your grin to the world.
Do Dental Crowns Involve a Recovery Period?
While you may experience some mild soreness for a few days after receiving a dental crown, this should gradually go away on its own and can be easily managed by taking over-the-counter pain medication as instructed. If needed, you can also use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce your discomfort and inflammation. However, pain that persists or gets worse over several days may be a sign of infection, so call your dentist for assistance if this happens to you.
Receiving a dental crown is a common procedure and nothing to be afraid of. These appliances have preserved countless smiles by preventing injuries and infections and restoring the beauty of damaged teeth.
About the Practice
Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall offers the finest oral healthcare in the area. Led by Drs. Travis Spillman and Nancy Nguyen, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about the dental crown placement process, contact the office online or dial (972) 945-0887.