Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made prosthetic restorations that fit over a damaged or decayed tooth. They encapsulate the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Whether it’s due to decay, trauma, discoloration, or improper alignment, crowns can effectively address a variety of dental issues.

1. Consultation and Examination: The journey towards a dental crown begins with a thorough consultation with your dentist. During this initial visit, your dentist will examine your oral health, discuss your concerns, and determine whether a crown is the most suitable solution for your specific case.

2. Tooth Preparation: Once it’s established that a crown is necessary, the next step involves tooth preparation. This typically entails numbing the area around the tooth to ensure a pain-free experience. Then, the dentist carefully shapes the tooth to create adequate space for the crown. In cases of severe decay or damage, additional build-up material may be required to support the crown.

3. Impression: With the tooth prepared, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression serves as a blueprint for crafting a custom-fit crown that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth.

4. Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain functionality. It’s essential to follow any guidelines provided by your dentist to ensure the temporary crown remains in place until the permanent one is ready.

5. Crown Fabrication: Behind the scenes, skilled dental technicians meticulously craft your permanent crown using the impression obtained earlier. They utilize advanced materials and technologies to ensure precision and durability, resulting in a crown that mimics the color, shape, and texture of your natural teeth.

6. Final Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, typically within a couple of weeks, you return to the dentist for its placement. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is carefully fitted and adjusted as needed to ensure proper bite alignment and comfort. Once both you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the crown is permanently bonded to the tooth using dental cement.

7. Post-Placement Care: With your new crown in place, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for it properly. This may include maintaining good oral hygiene practices, avoiding certain foods that could potentially damage the crown, and scheduling regular dental check-ups to monitor its condition.