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

Dental Crown East Brunswick, NJ

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://www.drscottdlurie.com or call Dr. Scott D. Lurie at (732) 227-4814 for an appointment in our East Brunswick office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in East Brunswick, NJ.

Related Posts

Does A Smile Makeover Include Teeth Whitening?

Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…

Multiple Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridge

Dental implants are a great way to replace multiple missing teeth. A dental bridge is also a solution for multiple teeth replacement in many cases as well. By learning more about the pros and cons of each option, it will help you decide which treatment option is right for you. Missing teeth create a cosmetic, functional…

Welcome To Dr. Scott D. Lurie

We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the East Brunswick, NJ area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Dental Implant Restoration, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges and Dental Veneers.

General Dentistry: A Dentist Explains How Oral Hygiene Is Important For Your Health

General dentistry is about more than keeping your teeth looking good. Oral health has a strong connection to your overall health, both affecting each other in turn because your mouth connects the outside environment to the inside of your body. As a result, practicing oral hygiene — or failing to do so — is a…