How Does a Dentist Prepare a Tooth for a Dental Crown?

Dental Crown Scottsdale, AZ

A dental crown is a cap used to completely cover back moral teeth. The process of having a crown placed is quite simple, but there are a few key preparation steps that a dentist must take first.

The preparation steps for getting a dental crown

Outlined here are the steps that a dentist takes to prepare a tooth for a dental crown. Review this information when preparing for an upcoming appointment. 

First and foremost, the dentist will numb the patient using a local anesthetic. This is necessary because it helps prevent the patient from feeling any pain or discomfort. 

1. Damage removal

The first step that a dentist takes in preparing a tooth for a dental crown is to remove any damaged or decayed areas. A dental drill is used to carefully do this. Although it sounds painful, the dentist does ensure that proper numbing has been done to eliminate any discomfort. Having damaged or decayed areas removed is crucial in restoring the health of the tooth and surrounding areas. 

2. Cleaning

Next, the dentist cleans out the tooth. In most cases, the removal of damage or decay will result in empty spaces, even if they are small. Because these empty spaces are susceptible to bacteria growth, it is essential that they are thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected. 

3. Filling

Once the tooth has been cleaned out, the dentist will fill any empty spots with a dental material called gutta-percha. This material is 100% safe for the teeth and mouth. It is used to keep bacteria out of the tooth, which eliminates any potential for new infections. 

4. Smoothing

The final step in tooth preparation is for the dentist to smooth the surfaces of the tooth. Often, a decayed or damaged tooth is rough to the touch or has areas that are sharp, which could put the rest of the mouth at risk of being scraped or cut. To smooth out the surfaces, the dentist will use instruments to shave down certain areas. The numbing agent provided at the start of the procedure will prevent any discomfort. 

What happens next

After the dentist follows the preparation steps, the tooth will be ready for the temporary dental crown. From there, the patient returns home for a few weeks while waiting for the permanent dental crown to be ready.

The dentist advises patients to avoid eating anything too hard or sticky, as this could dislodge the dental crown and damage the freshly restored tooth. 

Find out more

Individuals who want more information on what it is like to get a dental crown should consult directly with a general dentist. Any questions or concerns about the process can be addressed by the dentist, and an evaluation can be performed to get started. Reach out today to learn more or to get scheduled!

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crown in Scottsdale, AZ.

Recent Posts

Can You Notice Dental Crowns On Front Teeth?

It is possible to use dental crowns to restore teeth that have become damaged beyond repair, whether due to decay or trauma. A dentist may recommend this common type of treatment for a tooth that is: Seriously chipped Severely cracked or broken Weakened from numerous cavities or fillingsWhile the tooth can have extensive damage, it…

Is It Possible To Whiten Dental Crowns?

Dentists use dental crowns to protect or restore damaged teeth. Sometimes, tooth decay becomes too advanced or cracking may weaken the structure of the teeth. In these cases, a dentist may suggest a crown when fillings cannot solve the issue. Crowns are caps made of various materials, including ceramic, resin, porcelain, and metal.Crown placement is…

Reasons To Consider A Porcelain Dental Crown

A porcelain dental crown is beautiful and luminescent and reflects light just enough to look like a natural tooth. Although porcelain crowns look natural, they are, in fact, artificial. Crowns can be shaped precisely in order to restore tooth damage and enhance your smile. This makes them very beneficial both physically and aesthetically.A crown can…

A Comparison Of Dental Crown Materials

Dental crowns come in a range of material options, including zirconium and porcelain. These materials vastly increase the aesthetics and reliability of dental crowns as compared to past alternatives. Regardless of the material, most dental crowns look and work well. However, there are some significant variations between these options to be aware of. This article…

Recent Posts

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…

Facts About The Dental Implants Process

5 Facts About The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…