Embarking on a dental procedure can feel daunting, especially when you’re unsure of what to expect. At our Beverly Hills practice, we believe that knowledge is the key to a comfortable and stress-free experience. A dental crown is a wonderful solution for restoring a tooth’s strength and beauty, and understanding the process can empower you to feel confident and relaxed. This guide will walk you through every step of the dental crown procedure, from your first consultation to the final placement of your beautiful, custom-made restoration.
The Journey to Your New Dental Crown: What to Expect
Think of a dental crown as a bespoke, durable cap designed to fit perfectly over a damaged tooth, restoring its original shape, strength, and appearance. It’s an ideal treatment for a tooth that is broken, significantly decayed, or has undergone a root canal. The entire process is thoughtfully planned and typically completed over two comfortable visits to our office. Our guiding philosophy is to blend the artistry of cosmetic dentistry with the precision of clinical science, ensuring your final result is not only functional but also natural and seamless.
Key Takeaways: The Dental Crown Process at a Glance
- Visit 1: This initial appointment involves a comprehensive consultation, gentle preparation of the tooth, taking precise digital impressions, and placing a custom-fitted temporary crown.
- Interim Period: While you go about your life, our master lab technicians meticulously craft your bespoke permanent crown from the highest quality materials.
- Visit 2: At your final appointment, we ensure a perfect fit and permanently bond your new, beautiful crown, completing your smile’s restoration.
Your First Visit: The Foundation for a Perfect Crown
Your first appointment is dedicated to laying the groundwork for a flawless restoration. During this visit, we focus on preparing your tooth and gathering the highly accurate information needed to create a crown that fits perfectly within your smile. Throughout this process, your comfort is our highest priority.
Step 1: Compassionate Consultation & Digital Imaging
Every successful treatment begins with a conversation. We take the time to listen to your goals, understand your concerns, and answer any questions you may have. To get a complete picture of your tooth’s health, we use advanced digital X-rays, which provide a clear and detailed view of the tooth and its supporting bone structure. This crucial first step ensures that a dental crown is the ideal solution to meet your specific needs.
Step 2: Gently Preparing the Tooth for its Crown
Once we decide to proceed, the next step is to prepare the tooth. We begin by numbing the area completely to ensure you have a comfortable and pain-free experience. Dr. Nazarian then gently reshapes the tooth, removing a small amount of enamel to create the perfect amount of space for the crown. This careful reshaping is essential for allowing the final crown to fit harmoniously with your bite and adjacent teeth.
Step 3: Creating a Precise Digital Impression
We have left messy, uncomfortable putty molds in the past. Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including an advanced intraoral scanner that creates a highly accurate 3D model of your prepared tooth and surrounding smile. This digital precision is the key to fabricating a permanent crown with a flawless, gap-free fit, ensuring both longevity and a natural appearance.
Step 4: Placing a Custom Temporary Crown
Before you leave, we will place a custom-made temporary crown over your prepared tooth. This temporary restoration serves two important purposes: it protects the underlying tooth structure while your permanent one is being crafted, and it allows you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence between visits. We will provide you with a few simple instructions on how to care for your temporary crown until your next appointment.
Your Second Visit: Unveiling Your Permanent Crown
This is the exciting appointment where your smile transformation is completed. When you return to our office, you will leave with your final, beautifully restored tooth. During this visit, our focus is on achieving a perfect fit, a comfortable bite, and an aesthetic that blends seamlessly with your natural smile.
Step 5: Ensuring a Perfect Fit, Bite, and Color
We begin by gently removing the temporary crown and thoroughly cleaning the tooth underneath. Next, we place your new permanent crown and meticulously check its fit against the neighboring teeth and your bite. With an artist’s eye for detail, we ensure the color, shape, and translucency are a perfect match, making it virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Step 6: Permanently Bonding Your New Crown
Once you are completely satisfied with the look and feel of your new crown, we proceed with permanently bonding it into place. A special dental cement is applied, and a gentle curing light is used to create a strong, durable bond between the tooth and the crown. We finish with a final polish, leaving your restored tooth feeling smooth and looking radiant. Ready for a strong, beautiful smile? Book your crown consultation today.
Life With Your New Crown: Care and Longevity
Your newly crowned tooth is designed to look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. To ensure it lasts for many years to come, proper care is essential. With a simple but consistent oral hygiene routine, you can protect your investment and maintain a healthy smile.
How to Care For Your Dental Crown
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once a day, paying special attention to the area where the crown meets the gumline.
- Avoid chewing on extremely hard items, such as ice, hard candy, or nutshells, to prevent damaging the porcelain.
- Continue with your regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, which allow us to monitor the health of your crown and the underlying tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality porcelain crown can last for 15 years or even longer. Its longevity is influenced by your oral hygiene habits and personal factors, such as teeth grinding (bruxism). At our practice, we are committed to using only the highest quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your crown provides maximum beauty and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No, the procedure should not be painful. We use effective local anesthetic to ensure the tooth and surrounding area are completely numb during the preparation phase. Our team is dedicated to providing a gentle, comfortable experience from start to finish.
How many appointments does a crown procedure take?
The traditional dental crown procedure typically requires two appointments. The first is for the consultation, tooth preparation, and placement of a temporary crown. The second is for bonding the permanent crown into place.
What should I do if my temporary crown comes off?
If your temporary crown becomes loose or falls off, please contact our office as soon as possible. It’s important to have it re-cemented to protect the underlying tooth. Keep the crown in a safe place until your appointment.
Can a tooth with a crown still get a cavity?
Yes, the natural tooth structure underneath the crown is still susceptible to decay. Cavities can form at the margin, which is the line where the crown meets the tooth. This is why daily flossing and regular check-ups are so important.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that covers only the front surface of a tooth, primarily used for cosmetic enhancements. A crown, on the other hand, covers the entire tooth and is used to restore its strength, shape, and function after significant damage or decay.
How much does a dental crown cost in Beverly Hills?
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed treatment plan and a transparent breakdown of all associated costs.
Restoring your smile should be an experience rooted in trust and confidence. Led by Dr. Arminé Nazarian with over 25 years of experience, our practice combines advanced digital technology with a focus on the “Art and Science” of creating a perfect, natural-looking smile. We are dedicated to providing gentle, personalized care that meets the highest standards of excellence. Experience our gentle approach to dental crowns. Book your consultation.
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