Curious about dental crown procedure steps? Discover the key stages so you can prepare for your appointment with confidence.

Millions of Americans visit the dentist every year, and many of them need a crown to protect or restore a damaged tooth. If you've been told you need one, it's normal to have questions about the dental crown procedure steps and what the crown fitting stages actually involve.

At SmileOn Dentistry in Centreville, VA, we're proud to offer high-quality crowns that feel natural and look great. In this post, we'll walk you through the process in plain language, so you know exactly what to expect. From the first exam to the final fitting, here's how we make sure your smile is protected, comfortable, and confident.

Why You Might Need a Crown

A dental crown is a protective cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown if your tooth is:

Cracked
Broken
Severely worn down

Crowns are also common after a root canal, as the tooth can become weaker and more prone to damage. In some cases, a crown may be used to cover a tooth with a large filling when there isn't enough natural structure left.

Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes. If you have a misshapen or discolored tooth, a crown can improve how it looks. At SmileOn Dentistry in Centreville, we match each crown to the color and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless result.

No matter the reason, the goal is the same: to protect your tooth and restore your smile. If you need one, we'll make sure the process is smooth, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.

The Initial Exam and Consultation

The first step in the dental crown process is a full exam and consultation. At SmileOn Dentistry, we start by checking the health of your tooth and the surrounding area. X-rays may be taken to see the roots and bone structure.

This helps us decide if a crown is the best option or if another treatment would work better. If a crown is right for you, we'll explain the plan and answer any questions you have. We'll also go over:

The timeline
The insurance details
What to expect at each visit

This is a good time to let us know if you have any concerns, including anxiety about dental work. Our goal is to make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable before moving forward with any of the dental crown procedure steps.

Preparing the Tooth

Once you're ready to move forward, the next step is preparing the tooth. This involves reshaping the tooth so the crown can fit properly over it.

At SmileOn Dentistry, we gently remove any damaged or decayed areas and shape the tooth to make room for the crown. Don't worry, as this step is done under local anesthesia, you won't feel pain during the procedure.

If your tooth is severely damaged or has had a root canal, we may build it up with filling material to support the crown. Once the tooth is shaped, we take a digital or physical impression. This helps us create a crown that fits your bite and matches your other teeth.

We'll place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made. It looks natural and lets you eat and speak normally until your next appointment, when the final crown is ready.

Taking Impressions

After the tooth is prepared, we take impressions to help design your custom crown. We use either traditional putty material or advanced digital scanning. Both methods give us accurate details of your tooth and bite, so the crown will fit comfortably and look natural.

If we use putty, you'll bite down on a tray for a short time. If we use a digital scanner, we simply move a small camera around your mouth to capture a 3D image. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where your crown is made.

Creating the crown usually takes a couple of weeks. In the meantime, your temporary crown will protect your tooth and let you go about your day as usual. When your permanent crown is ready, we'll call you back in for the final step: fitting and placing the crown.

Temporary Crown Placement

After taking impressions, we place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth. This crown is made of acrylic or resin and is designed to cover the tooth until your permanent crown is ready. Here at SmileOn Dentistry, we make sure the temporary fits well and feels comfortable.

You can eat and speak normally, but we recommend avoiding sticky or hard foods during this time. It's also a good idea to chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible. The temporary crown keeps your tooth safe and maintains its position until your next visit for the permanent crown placement.

Final Crown Placement

Once your permanent crown is ready, you'll return to SmileOn Dentistry for the final placement. We start by removing the temporary crown and checking the fit and color of the new one. If everything looks and feels right, we carefully cement the crown in place using a strong dental adhesive.

We also make sure your bite feels natural and make any small adjustments if needed. Once the crown is secure, it will look and function like a regular tooth: you'll be able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. With good care, your new crown can last for many years.

Guide to Dental Crown Procedure Steps

Getting a crown is a common and effective tooth repair procedure that restores both function and appearance. At SmileOn Dentistry in Centreville, we guide you through every stage of the dental crown procedure, from the first exam to the final placement.

Crowns protect weak teeth, improve your smile, and help prevent future dental issues, which are just a few of the many dental crown benefits. If you think you might need a crown or want to learn more, we're here to help. Contact SmileOn Dentistry to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward a healthier, stronger smile.

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