According to a recent survey from the Health Policy Institute, 1 in 3 adults using Medicaid avoided the dentist due to dental anxiety. However, dental anxiety often stems from the fear of the unknown, as most patients aren’t sure what to expect from dental procedures. They imagine them to be long and painful, keeping them away from the dentist’s chair. However, the longer you wait for a routine check-up, the worse your issues may get. One such procedure is a dental crown procedure. Despite their commonality and simple process, patients often fear the worst when it comes to dental crowns. Fortunately, Dr. Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center aims to make every dental visit as comfortable as possible! If you’re worried about your dental crown procedure, trust Dr. Z to explain the process step by step, easing your anxiety and making dental care more accessible.
Why Would a Crown Procedure Be Necessary?
Dental crowns are incredibly versatile, as we can use them for a variety of issues.
Dental crowns help patients like you:
- Fortify your tooth’s structure
- Protect a broken or damaged tooth
- Seal off a vulnerable tooth from bacteria
- Stabilize a dental bridge
- Replace a missing tooth
Depending on your needs, Dr. Z can create a custom treatment plan using dental crowns to restore your smile!
Most commonly, a crown is necessary to cover a decayed or damaged tooth, as its structure may be compromised. After bacteria has eaten away at your tooth’s enamel, it can create a vulnerable spot or compromise its ability to break down foods. A crown can both seal off the vulnerable area of your tooth and restore your tooth’s ability to function.
Dental Crown Procedure 101:
The dental crown procedure at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center is fairly simple.
Consultation
As always, Dr. Zirakian begins every treatment with a free consultation.
During this appointment, he will perform a thorough dental exam to assess the issues affecting your smile. If your smile requires a dental crown treatment, he’ll go through every step with you right there at the office. Additionally, he’ll create a custom treatment plan for you, discuss costs, and explain the flexible financing options available to you.
Once you’re ready, he’ll schedule your preparation appointment.
Preparation
In order for a traditional dental crown to fit in your smile, your tooth may need to be prepared. This process involved carefully shaving down your enamel on every side, making room for the tooth-shaped cap to fit seamlessly on top. But don’t worry! Dr. Z uses a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout your procedure.
For a dental bridge using crowns for support, the process is similar. Dr. Zirakian will begin by numbing your treatment area and then carefully preparing the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile for crowns.
Restoration
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, our crowns are custom-fit to blend in with your smile and match your natural teeth. However, that requires a careful and practiced hand. After preparing your teeth, Dr. Zirakian will take an impression of your smile and send it to a lab to craft your crown. There, professional lab technicians will use the impression of your smile to make a crown just for you!
This fabrication process is incredibly intricate and may take up to 3 weeks for your final crown to be ready. In the meantime, Dr. Z will provide you with a temporary crown to protect your teeth and the aesthetics of your smile.
Once your final crown arrives at Dr. Zirakian’s office, he will remove your temporary restoration and try the crown on. If you’re happy with the fit and the way it looks, he will then cement it in place to keep it secure!
Healing After a Crown Procedure
After a dental crown procedure, it may take some time for your crown to feel normal. You can expect to feel some discomfort or soreness in the first few days after your procedure. However, you should be able to manage any issues easily with over-the-counter pain medications. While in this healing period, be sure to avoid hard or sticky foods that can dislodge the crown.
After about a week, your crown will feel much better! While it’s common to still experience sensitivity, the feeling should gradually improve. Over time, your gums will begin to adapt to the crown, conforming to its shape and making it look and feel more natural in your mouth.
Within 2 to 4 weeks after your crown procedure, your smile should be fully healed!
Restore Your Smile With a Dental Crown Procedure!
If you need a dental crown but you’re nervous about the procedure, visit East Longmeadow Family Dental Center. Dr. Zirakian aims to make every patient feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair, and he’ll walk you through every step of your procedure before it begins. Book a free consultation today to learn what a dental crown can do for your smile!
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