A dental crown is a porcelain restoration that covers your entire tooth. When a tooth is broken or decay is extensive, a crown is needed to restore your tooth to its normal function, appearance, and protect its longevity. Your dentist at Canyon Dental in Orem, Utah, can provide you with the highest-quality dental crowns available!
The procedure for a crown is similar to a filling, with a few differences. Dr. Bowen or our hygienists will numb your gums, using topical (numbing gel) and local anesthetic, getting your tooth numb and keeping you comfortable. The numbing usually lasts for one to several hours, depending on how quickly your body metabolizes it.
After you are numb, Dr. Bowen uses a specialized handpiece to remove tooth decay, broken tooth fragments, and prepare the tooth to accommodate your new crown. Generally, the edges of your new crown will be at or below your gum line, and will not be noticeable to you.
After your tooth is ready, we will take an impression of the tooth, which we use to fabricate your permanent crown. In the meantime, our assistants will make you a temporary crown for the time it takes for our dental lab to make your a permanent crown (usually 10-14 days). Be careful with your temporary-it is not as strong or durable as your permanent crown will be. We recommend you avoid chewing on your temporary crown as much as possible.
It is normal for your gums to be tender following a crown. They will heal within 1-2 weeks, and the pain is well-managed by Ibuprofen and Tylenol.
When you return to have your permanent crown cemented, we remove your temporary crown and temporary cement. We place the permanent crown, check your bite, and take an x-ray to ensure a perfect fit. We then cement your crown. It takes four hours for the cement to set completely, so be careful during that setting period. After that, you tooth is as good as new!
Crowns are very successful when done properly. They have an average lifespan of five years, though they can last much longer with proper oral care and regular dental visits. Dr. Bowen will do everything he can to ensure your new crown looks, functions, and feels great and lasts you for years to come!
Come see your dentist, Dr. Bowen, at Canyon Dental in Orem, Utah today! Call us at (801) 224-6051!