When is a Temporary Dental Crown Needed?

What Is A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are recommended when a tooth has a large cavity when a tooth has a large filling that may be susceptible to fracturing or breaking, when a large filling needs to be replaced or when a root canal treatment has been completed, and the tooth needs a more supportive cap. A dental crown is a full coverage cap that gets bonded on a tooth to prevent cavities, chips, fractures and breakage.

The process of a Crown

First and foremost, a consultation regarding the tooth will take place. Your dentist will talk to you about recommendations and outcomes. X-rays will be taken to assess the health of the tooth and if there is a cavity, where precisely the cavity is. Any questions or concerns will be addressed before the procedure. A crown procedure is typically two visits. During the first visit, you will be anesthetized in the area, so you don’t feel any pain. Next, the tooth will be sanded down on all sides to make space for the crown to fit on top. Any old fillings or cavities will be removed, so only healthy tooth structure remains. An impression of the tooth and surrounding areas will be taken to send out to a lab where the permanent crown will be fabricated. The permanent crown will take about a week to be made and sent back to your dental office. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed on the sanded down tooth until you return to have the permanent crown placed.

Importance of a Temporary Crown

The temporary crown is bonded to the sanded down tooth to wear for the week the permanent crown is being fabricated in a lab and sent back to the dental office. The temporary crown is used to cover and protect the weak tooth from fractures and breaking. A temporary crown is not as strong as a permanent crown, so it has a much shorter life span. The temporary crown also helps you function normally with eating, chewing, speaking and smiling while the permanent crown is being made. On your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be bonded in place.

If you believe you may benefit from a crown, or have any questions about them, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.