Crowns

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires two visits to the dentist. The first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second visit involves placement of the permanent crown.

At the first visit in preparation for a crown, your dentist may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may first be performed.
Your tooth may also need to be slightly re-shaped, after re-shaping impressions are made so as to not affect your bite.

The impressions are sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured. The crown is usually returned to the dentist in two to three weeks.

During this first visit, your dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made. Temporary crowns usually are made of an acrylic like material and are held in place using temporary cement.

At the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and colour of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, a local anaesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.

The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.