If you have a tooth that is broken, has a big cavity, or is very weak, a custom cap can help.
Many people who get dental crowns in Scarborough, ON, find that this is the best way to save their tooth so they don’t have to pull it out.
A crown works like a sturdy helmet that fits right over your tooth to make it strong again.
By knowing each step of the visit, you can feel calm and ready. This guide will show you exactly what happens from the time you sit in the chair until your smile is fixed.
Checking the Tooth and Getting Ready
Before the work starts, the team needs to make sure the tooth is strong enough to hold a cap.
When you visit a dentist near you, they will take an X-ray to look at the roots and the bone. If everything looks good, they will numb the area so you don’t feel any pain.
Then, the dentist gently reshapes the tooth by removing a little bit of the outer layer. This makes room for the crown to slide on top without feeling too big or bulky in your mouth.
Making a Map of Your Smile
To make a crown that fits perfectly, the office needs a “map” of your teeth. This ensures your new tooth looks natural and feels comfortable when you bite down.
- Taking Molds: The team uses a soft putty or a digital camera to record the shape of your tooth.
- Checking the Bite: You will bite down on a special strip so the new tooth won’t feel “too high.”
- Picking the Color: The dentist uses a shade guide to match the crown to the color of your other teeth.
- Sending to the Lab: These records are sent to a lab where experts build your custom tooth.
Why Do You Need A Temporary Crown?
It usually takes a week or two for the lab to finish your permanent tooth. Because of this, it helps to know what to expect during a crown procedure regarding your “in-between” tooth.
The dentist will give you a temporary cap made of plastic to wear for a few days. It is held on with light glue so it can be taken off easily later.
This temporary tooth protects your sensitive inner tooth and keeps it from moving while you wait for the real one to arrive.
Comparing Different Crown Materials
| Type of Material | Where it Goes | Why Choose It? |
| Porcelain | Front teeth | It looks exactly like a real tooth |
| Metal & Porcelain | Back teeth | Very strong but still looks white |
| Gold | Far back molars | Lasts a long time and won’t chip |
| Zirconia | Any tooth | Super tough and looks great |
Fitting the Permanent Crown
When your custom crown is ready, you will come back for the final step. Many patients ask how a dental crown is placed. It is a very simple process.
The dentist will take off the temporary cap and try on the new one to make sure it fits just right. They will check how it touches your other teeth and if you like the way it looks.
If it’s perfect, they use a very strong permanent glue to bond it to your tooth. Once the glue sets, your tooth is ready to use!
How to Care for Your New Tooth
It is normal for the tooth to feel a little “new” or strange for a day or two. Your gums might be slightly sore, but this goes away quickly as you start to eat and talk normally.
- Be Gentle at First: Try not to eat very sticky candy for the first day so the glue can fully dry.
- Keep it Clean: You can brush and floss your crown just like your real teeth.
- Use Soft Flossing: Don’t snap the floss up; instead, slide it out to the side to be safe.
- Check the Bite: If the tooth feels like it hits first when you close your mouth, call the office for a tiny adjustment.
How Long Will Your Crown Last?
A good crown can stay in your mouth for 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer if you take great care of it. The best way to make it last is to avoid biting on very hard things like ice or pens.
Also, make sure to visit the dentist twice a year so they can check the edges of the crown. This makes sure no new germs are getting underneath the cap, keeping your natural tooth healthy for a long time.
Get Your Strong Smile Back
Getting a crown is a great way to fix a tooth that is hurting or broken. It protects your mouth from more damage and lets you eat all your favorite foods again. Modern crowns look so real that your friends probably won’t even know you have one!
By taking this step, you are making sure your smile stays healthy and strong for many years.
At Sheppard Markham Dental, we are here to help you through every step so you can feel proud of your teeth again.
Are you tired of that broken tooth causing you trouble when you eat? Contact Sheppard Markham Dental today to book your visit and get your tooth fixed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
No, the dentist uses medicine to numb the tooth, so you should only feel some wiggling and pressure.
Can a crown get a cavity?
The crown itself is made of porcelain or metal and cannot rot, but the real tooth, but you should still brush the teeth under it.
What should I do if my temporary crown falls off?
Don’t worry, and call us to pop it back so your teeth stay protected.
Is a crown different from a filling?
Yes, a filling plugs a hole, but a crown covers the whole tooth like a protective shell.
