You’ve just found out one of your teeth has been damaged by decay and now you need a dental crown.
These tiny, custom-made caps are an excellent way to restore your oral health and protect your tooth.
But the entire process can take several weeks. Keep reading to find out how long it can take to get a dental crown.
The Stages of Getting a Dental Crown
1. Consultation and Preparation
If you are experiencing tooth pain, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of the dentists at Rainier Smiles Dentistry. During this appointment, the dentist will examine your tooth, take x-rays, and discuss your medical history. The dentist will then recommend the best course of action based on your specific needs.
For example, if the infection is severe, they may need to perform a root canal first. After they remove the decay, clean it, and fill it, they will then shape the tooth so that it can accommodate the crown.
If the tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved, the dentist may recommend an alternative treatment, such as a tooth extraction.
2. Impressions and Temporary Crowns
After the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take impressions of the tooth, which will be used to create the custom-made crown. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is made. This process can take several days to a week.
In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown. This is a temporary solution that will protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. You will need to avoid eating hard or sticky foods and should take extra care to clean the temporary crown.
We here at Rainier Smiles Dentistry also offer same-day crowns. We use advanced CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing) technology to create the crown in our lab in just a couple of hours.
So, if you don't want to wait for a week or more to get a crown, you can also opt for same-day crowns.
3. Final Crown and Follow-Up
Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to our office for a final fitting. Your Tacoma dentist will check the fit and color of the crown, and make any necessary adjustments. Once the crown is in place, the dentist will check the bite, and make sure that everything feels comfortable.
Keep in mind that this is not the end of your journey. You will need to follow up with the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. The crown is not immune to decay, so it's important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further damage to the tooth.
Do You Need a Dental Crown in Tacoma? We Can Help!
At Rainier Smiles Dentistry, we provide a wide range of restorative services, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Contact us now to book your appointment.