Do you have an issue with your teeth that you just aren’t happy with? Your dentist may recommend a leesburg dental crown procedure to treat the problem. Dental crowns are a popular treatment option to fix a variety of oral health issues including: cracked or damaged teeth, discolored teeth, or teeth that are weak and need to be stabilized.  You may be surprised to find out that a dental crown may be just what you need to fix your smile. In most situations, the installation of a dental crown occurs over two separate visits to your dentist. Below is more information about the dental crown procedure.

Appointment #1: preparation and measurements

A dental crown in an artificial tooth cover that is designed and custom made to suit your needs. What this means is that a little more time is needed to take measurements, match the shading of your teeth, and allow time for the tooth to be manufactured.

The first part of the dental crown procedure involves measurements and preparation. This occurs in the following steps:

• An exam: your dentist will examine the tooth that you are wanting to fix. It is important to confirm that the tooth is stable and healthy enough to support the crown.
• Tooth preparation: Once your dentist confirms that the tooth is in good enough shape to support a crown they will need to prepare the tooth. The preparation usually involves filing down the existing tooth so the crown can be placed on top.
• Measurement: After the tooth is prepared your dentist will take an impression of the tooth using putty. This putty creates a mold of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. The mold will be sent to the dental lab where your crown will be made. Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials including: ceramic, resin, porcelain, alloy or stainless steel.
• Shading: If your dentist is ordering a porcelain or ceramic crown for you they will also want to assess the shade of your natural teeth. This is to be sure that the crown matches your natural tooth color.
• Temporary crown fixed: At the end of the first visit your dentist will place a temporary crown on your prepared tooth while you wait for your permanent crown.

Appointment #2: Installation of the permanent crown

Once your permanent crown has been made, it will be time to permanently install it. Your dentist will give you a call to set up an appointment. At the appointment your dentist will remove your temporary crown and install the new permanent crown. Before permanently securing it, your dentist may want to place the crown in your mouth so you can confirm you are satisfied with the shape and color. If you are pleased, your dentist will cement the permanent crown in place using a special adhesive.

After the crown is installed

It may take some time getting used to your new crown once its installed. The tooth may not feel natural right away. The good news is once you are used to the permanent crown it should last you forever. To make sure your crown lasts, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing daily.

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