Dental Crown Fitting: A Patient Guide Without the Guesswork

Before the Crown Goes On

First, the dentist checks the tooth and gum that surrounds it. If there is decay or an infection, it has to be dealt with. A crown won’t hide those issues.

Next up, the preparation. You’ll probably get local anaesthetic, so make sure the area is numbed. The dentist will then reshape the tooth, removing a little of the enamel and any other material to provide enough space for the crown to settle without causing discomfort due to a bad bite.

Getting the Crown Made

Once the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will need to take a thorough set of notes to help create your new crown. They may do this using impressions or a digital scan.

• Temporaries can feel a little odd when you bite down, but most find that they get use to them after a day or so.

• Sticky food is also an issue in that it can come unstuck, so don’t make toffee your new dental best friend.

The Crown Fitting Appointment

At the next visit, the dentist will seat your new crown and check that it is in harmony with the rest of your bite. They will examine its fit in relation to your other teeth and that your jaw closes comfortably.

They will also check the colour and shape to ensure that it doesn’t stand out, unless of course, it’s a front tooth in which case you may want to think about getting a tiny ceramic helmet.

What It Feels Like Afterward

Some tenderness around the tooth and gum is normal. The tooth may also be sensitive to cold or hot drinks, but again, this is usually short lived as your mouth adjusts to the crown.

That’s a good thing. A well-fitted crown should be out of your way and stop bothering you.

Looking After Your New Crown

Caring for the tooth with the crown is much the same as you’d look after your natural teeth. Brush it twice a day and make sure to clean between the teeth. They may also demonstrate how to clean around the crowned tooth, which can be especially important if the crown runs along the gum line.

• Normal brushing techniques are fine, but keep the pressure off the gum line to avoid irritation. You’re not trying to clean the crown, it’s more about keeping the gum in good health.

• If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, you should speak to your dentist about getting a night guard. It can be a good idea, especially if you’ve had other issues with teeth in the past.

• Discomfort with your bite after a day or so means you need to see your dentist and not that you should get use to it. They’ll be able to make an adjustment or check that nothing is out of place. It’s usually a simple matter of a high spot.

When a Crown Doesn’t Feel Right

A little sensitivity isn’t usually a concern, but any recurring, sharp pain or discomfort when biting down means you need to see your dentist. Also report any signs that the crown is coming loose or if there is any swelling.

And don’t try and glue it back on if it does come loose. Improvised glues aren’t always a good idea and can be more trouble than they’re worth. Remember, it’s your dentist who put it on in the first place.

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