Step-by-step Guide to Dental Crowns: General Dentistry in Albuquerque

Dental crowns serve an important purpose in dentistry. This treatment can help with both cosmetic and oral health challenges. If you think you may need a crown on your tooth, you should speak to a general dentistry professional about your concerns. The procedure usually takes place over a few separate visits. It can be helpful to know what to expect before you go to the dentist, so you are not overwhelmed or overly anxious. After you have this treatment, you can eat and speak without pain or discomfort.

Function and purpose

Dental crowns or caps are usually made of porcelain or ceramic. The dentist will use them to protect damaged teeth and preserve a person’s ability to chew food. Often, the dentist will place the cap on the affected tooth after a root canal. Patients who have suffered damage such as a chip, crack or break may have this procedure to restore the tooth and revive their smile. It is also useful to repair cavities that are too large for a filling. A cap is durable, but the dentist will need to replace it after 10 to 15 years.

Determining the right course

When a patient goes to a dental office complaining of severe toothache or cosmetic damage to a tooth, the dentist will examine the problem and take X-rays. The dentist will decide whether the crowns are the right treatment or whether there is another option that makes more sense. If the patient and dentist agree to get a cap, the dentist will explain the procedure and will schedule a subsequent appointment. This may occur on the same day if the situation is more serious.

Get the tooth ready

The next step is to prepare the tooth to receive the cap. The dentist will numb the patient and shave down the tooth, so the crown can fit properly. If there is any decay or infection in the tooth, the dentist will clean it out and disinfect the area. Impressions will be made and sent to a lab where a technician will custom-make the cap. It will be the same color shade as surrounding teeth. It will take about a week for it to be ready.

Getting the crowns

At the next appointment, the dentist will again numb the patient. The dentist will place the cap on the tooth and test it for fit and appearance. If everything looks good, the dentist will cement it in place. It may take a few days to get used to and the patient may feel some soreness. It is important to brush the area twice a day. The patient should be careful about eating hard and sticky foods.

Now you are ready

Getting a crown does not have to be a scary process. This treatment can relieve irritation and help you eat and speak normally. You can also improve your smile and feel more at ease in social settings. Do not put off this appointment any longer. Contact your dentist today if you have damaged teeth or a severe toothache.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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