Regaining Your Smile: A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Crown Treatment

Try as you may to care for your teeth; sometimes tooth damage is inevitable. Accidents happen, and facial trauma can easily result in one or more damaged teeth. Fortunately, there are dental options for restoring damaged teeth, the most popular of which is dental crowns. Crowns are hollow, tooth-shaped caps that can be placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, function, and appearance. Valencia, California, residents can turn to the team at Brian Gradinger DMD for crown treatment.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Teeth Crown Procedure

Dental crowns have been used for years to repair damaged teeth, but not everyone is privy to how they’re made, how they work, or the procedure for getting a crown. There are different types of crowns to suit diverse dental needs. Metal crowns are typically used on back teeth for their strength in chewing. However, porcelain and ceramic crowns, which mimic the appearance of natural teeth, are versatile options suitable for both front and back teeth. These materials make your dental treatment discreet, blending seamlessly with your natural smile. Crowns completely cover a damaged tooth, replacing its exterior structure. Here’s what you can expect from the tooth crown procedure:

Step 1 – Consultation

Before recommending crown treatment, Dr. Gradinger will evaluate your tooth and overall oral health to determine if a crown is the best treatment for you. If the damaged tooth is decayed, we’ll address that problem before restoring it with a crown. 

Step 2 – Preparing Your Tooth 

Dr. Gradinger will prepare your tooth to receive a crown by removing a thin layer of enamel. We may also reshape your tooth, removing any jagged or sharp edges. This step is done under anesthesia to avoid discomfort and pain. 

Actual Patient Results

Step 3 – Impressions 

After preparing your tooth, we’ll take impressions of it, creating a mold that depicts the size and shape of the tooth to be fixed. This mold will be sent to an off-site lab where the dental crown is fabricated. In the interim period, Dr. Gradinger will place a temporary crown over your tooth to shield it from harm.

Step 4 – Fabrication of a Permanent Crown 

Using your tooth impressions, an off-site lab will customize a permanent crown. This crown will fit smoothly and comfortably over your damaged tooth without interfering with your bite. Porcelain and ceramic crowns will match the color of nearby natural teeth to blend in seamlessly with your smile. This process can take up to two weeks to complete.

Step 5 – Crown Placement

Once your permanent crown is ready, we’ll schedule an appointment for placement. Dr. Gradinger will remove your temporary crown and put the permanent crown in its place. We’ll ensure the crown fits comfortably and securely before cementing it in place to complete your treatment. With proper maintenance and care, crowns can last up to 10 years or more, protecting and preserving a damaged tooth. 

Dental Crowns Near Me

Contact Dr. Brian Gradinger in Valencia, CA, at (661) 287-9650 to learn more about our dental crown treatments.