Crowns are used to improve the strength and protect a weakened natural tooth but it can also address cosmetic dental imperfections. It acts like a “helmet” to cover the entire tooth.
What happens during a dental crown procedure?
A dental crown usually requires two visits to the dentist
Your first appointment is when the dentist will shave all surfaces of the original tooth down (approximately 1mm to allow room for the porcelain cap) and then take an impression of the prepared tooth. Should the tooth be carious or broken down, all decay will need to be removed and a filling will need to be placed prior to the dentist trimming it down.
The impression may be taken digitally by a scan or using a physical mould. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory for the ceramist to fabricate and colour match. While the permanent crown is being fabricated, the dentist will fit a temporary crown on the tooth.
When the permanent crown is ready for cementation, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the new crown in place. This permanent crown is fixed, should fit correctly and conform to your natural bite.