A crown is often used when a tooth has lost much of its original structure to work well with a simple filling. A large cavity can leave a tooth weak. A crack can do the same. Sometimes a crown is placed after a root canal because the tooth needs protection from normal biting forces.<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s the thing. A crown doesn\u2019t magically repair the inside of a tooth. It protects what\u2019s left. Gives the tooth a strong outer shape again. That distinction matters.<\/p>\r\n
Your dentist first examines the tooth. May take an X-ray if they need to check what\u2019s happening below the surface. The gum around it matters too because a crown needs an area to sit against.<\/p>\r\n
Then comes the preparation. Your dentist removes an amount of tooth structure around the tooth so the crown can fit over it without making the tooth look bulky. You\u2019ll be numb during this part. The sound of the drill is usually more annoying than the actual procedure.<\/p>\r\n
If your final crown isn’t ready the day you\u2019ll usually leave with a temporary crown. It protects the tooth while you wait.<\/p>\r\n
A temporary crown isn’t meant to be permanent. Treat it with a care, especially with foods that are very sticky or hard. Your dentist will tell you what to avoid.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 The color should blend with teeth though natural teeth aren’t all one perfectly matching shade.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Your bite matters too. If the crown feels like it hits first tell your dentist before the crown is permanently cemented.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 A tiny adjustment during fitting is completely normal and honestly it\u2019s better than discovering the problem after you get home.<\/p>\r\n
Once everything looks and feels right the dentist bonds the crown to the tooth with cement. The crown should feel secure although the area may feel strange for a while because your mouth has to get used to the new shape.<\/p>\r\n