Do you have a damaged or decayed tooth interfering with your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably? If so, it’s time to contact your dentist so they can examine your condition and suggest an appropriate treatment to restore your grin’s appearance and functionality.
For instance, if your troublesome tooth is too injured for a tooth-colored filling, they will likely suggest placing a dental crown. These ceramic caps are cemented over broken teeth so you can continue using them normally. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and how your teeth are prepared, so you know what to expect!
Step #1: Examination & Cleaning
Once you arrive at the scheduled time, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine the extent of the harm done and to ensure that no pre-existing problems, like cavities or gum disease, interfere with the results. If they find any areas of concern, they will address them before proceeding.
Then, they’ll remove any diseased, decayed, or broken material to keep bacteria from penetrating into your roots or beneath the surface of your gums.
Step #2: Anesthetic & Impressions
Next, your dental team will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic and/or provide sedation, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help you feel calm and comfortable while preparing your tooth. Then, for your crown to fit correctly without appearing overly bulky, they must gently remove a thin layer of enamel.
Once your tooth is appropriately shaped, your provider will make impressions to create a model of your teeth, gums, and jawbone that will be used to create your one-of-a-kind restoration. Historically, this was done by biting into a tray of goop that would harden around your teeth to make a mold. Today, many dentists use advanced technology, like digital impressions, X-rays, and 3D cone beam imaging, for more accurate information.
Step #3: Dental Crown Creation & Placement
There are two ways to make dental crowns; the traditional method involves sending patient information and images to a special lab to design your new tooth. It can take a few weeks before they deliver it to your dentist, who then schedules you for a final fitting and placement.
However, thanks to more recent advancements in dental technology and materials, many dentists, including our team in Fairfax, offer CEREC one-visit restorations. This involves using special software to design your prosthetic digitally, then carving it out of resilient ceramic using an onsite milling machine, to eliminate the long wait time.
Whether you opt for a standard dental crown or a CEREC same-day creation, your new tooth can be customized to be just the right shape, shade, and size for seamless results!
About the Practice
At MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two dental experts eager to help them build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. Dr. Malcom Murray and Dr. Ahmed Saadoon share 20+ years of experience and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location in Fairfax, including traditional and CEREC one-visit dental crowns. If you have a decayed or broken tooth requiring attention, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (703) 934-5540.
