A dental crown, or cap, is a restorative dentistry treatment that covers and protects a tooth. Crowns will cover worn teeth, large fillings, or implants. You have many types of crowns to choose from, but Dr. Uttma Dham provides convenient same-day dental crowns in Plantation, FL. Now, let’s tell you how a new dental crown is made.
Most crowns at Westside Dental Center can be done in one day. The whole process, from tooth preparation to receiving your final crown, takes about 180 minutes. Same-day crowns are a great option if you want a beautiful restoration in less time.
Initial Consultation
If you have a damaged, decayed, or worn tooth or if you have a single implant, you may be a good candidate for dental crowns. We’ll welcome you to make an appointment so Dr. Dham can determine if crowns are right for you. At your dental crown consultation with Dr. Dham, she’ll examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. She may ask questions about your dental history and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as pain or sensitivity.
Then, Dr. Dham may take X-rays or digital scans. These images help her look at the tooth roots and the surrounding bone to make sure everything is healthy. Based on her findings, she’ll recommend a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Preparing the Tooth
Once you decide to move forward with a crown, the next step is to prepare the tooth. Dr. Dham will begin by getting the area ready for your new crown. If the tooth has an old filling that is worn out, decayed, or damaged, she may remove it. If your crown is going on top of a dental implant, Dr. Dham will check that the implant is properly placed and healed.
She may also need to perform a root canal or place a filling if you have an infected or worn tooth. These treatments will clean and protect the inside of the tooth so you have enough of your tooth left for a crown. You need 1/4 of your tooth left, or about 2 mm of tooth that includes your enamel and dentin. The tooth enamel is your outer tooth layer, and your dentin is the underlayer.
Once the area is ready, Dr. Dham will gently shape the tooth. She’ll remove a small amount of the outer layer to make room for the crown. Tooth preparation helps the crown fit properly and stay secure. Dr. Dham will also make sure you’re comfortable throughout this process. She may numb the area with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain.
Imaging and Impressions
Dr. Dham uses Glidewell technology to fabricate same-day crowns. First, she takes digital impressions of your teeth using a small scanner that scans your mouth. This digital scanner creates a 3D image of your teeth and gums. She doesn’t need to use putty or an uncomfortable impression tray that may make some people gag to get a mold of your teeth. Unlike traditional impressions that use sticky putty, digital scans are quicker, cleaner, and more comfortable. They also allow for more precise results, so your crown will look and feel natural.
These images from the digital scanner are sent to a computer screen, where Dr. Dham can see a 3D model of your teeth. Dr. Dham uses computer-aided design (CAD) to design a crown that fits perfectly with your bite and matches the shape of your other teeth. She’ll edit your restoration so it matches the natural contours of your teeth.
Milling
Once your crown is designed, the digital plan is sent to a milling machine in the office. The milling machine shapes your crown out of a block of strong ceramic material. This ceramic is durable and tooth-colored, so it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
The milling process usually takes less than an hour. You can relax in the office while your crown is being made. Since everything is done in-house, you won’t need to wear a temporary crown or wait weeks for your final crown to be ready. This is a MAJOR benefit, you avoid multiple trips to the dentist.
Placing Your Crown
Once your crown is ready, Dr. Dham will check its size and color. She’ll first check how it fits, making sure your bite feels natural and that the crown doesn’t feel too high or too low. Then she’ll check the color to make sure it blends well with the surrounding teeth.
If everything looks and feels right, Dr. Dham will bond the crown in place using a strong dental adhesive. She’ll then polish the crown and make any final adjustments. Dr. Dham will also provide instructions for how to eat with your new crown and how to clean your crown.
Schedule a Consultation
You don’t need temporary crowns, multiple appointments, or painful injections to get a crown. Get comfortable treatment with same-day dental crowns in Plantation, FL, at Westside Dental Center. Call Dr. Dham today at (954) 251-0640.