Dental Crown Impressions Explained

What Is a Dental Crown Impression?

A dental crown impression is a mould or digital record of your teeth. Your dentist uses it after preparing the tooth for a crown because the final restoration needs to match the shape of the area.

With an impression a soft material sits inside a tray that fits over your teeth. You bite gently into it while the material sets. It doesn’t take long although the sensation can feel strange if you’ve got a sensitive gag reflex.

What Happens During the Imppression?

Your dentist first prepares the tooth so there is room for the crown. The area needs to be captured including the edges where the crown will meet your natural tooth.

A good impression needs to show the tooth clearly. If the area isn’t captured properly another impression may be needed. Annoying,. Better than ending up with a crown that doesn’t fit.

What Does It Feel Like?

The material can feel thick and slightly uncomfortable. You may feel pressure around your teeth while the tray is in place.

If you’re prone to gagging tell your dentist before the impression starts. They can position you differently. Work efficiently so you’re not stuck there longer than necessary.

Why Does Accuracy Matter?

A crown needs to sit against the prepared tooth. The bite also needs to feel natural once the crown is fitted because even a small difference can make the tooth feel awkward when you chew.

The key details include:

• The prepared tooth itself which needs to be captured around its edges.

• Nearby teeth are recorded too because the crown has to fit into the space without pushing against its neighbours.

• Your bite matters here well. The impression records the relationship between the lower teeth.

Traditional or Digital Impressions?

Digital impressions feel quicker for people. There’s no gooey material and no bulky tray pressing against the roof of your mouth.

Traditional impressions are still widely used. Can produce accurate results when taken properly. So if your dentist uses one there’s no reason to panic.

What Happens After the Impression?

Once the impression is complete it goes to the laboratory if a physical model is being made. The laboratory uses the recorded shape to create the crown.

Your dentist may place a crown over the prepared tooth while the permanent one is being made. At the appointment the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite before it is secured.

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