A dental crown can look like a tooth-shaped cap but getting it to stay on your tooth takes more than just putting it on top. Dental crown cementation is the step where your dentist uses cement to fix the crown in place so it stays there while you chew and speak.<\/p>\r\n
Before cementing your dentist checks the tooth that has been prepared. Then tries the crown on. This is called a trial fit. You might be asked to bite down while the dentist looks at how your teeth come<\/p>\r\n
Your dentist isn’t just checking if the crown looks good. They are checking how it fits around the tooth and making sure the crown doesn’t feel too high when you bite. If something feels a little wrong the crown can be adjusted before the final cement is used.<\/p>\r\n
A crown that feels high can be very annoying. Every time you bite that tooth may feel like it hits first. It can feel strange when you eat. You may keep noticing it with your tongue.<\/p>\r\n
Once the fit is right the dentist prepares the tooth and the inside of the crown according to the type of crown being used. The crown is then filled with cement and placed over the prepared tooth.<\/p>\r\n
Depending on the type of cement your dentist may use a light or let the material set on its own. The dentist checks the edges again. Removes any extra cement, especially around the gumline where leftover material would be uncomfortable and hard to clean.<\/p>\r\n
The cement is not just there to fill a space. It creates the bond that helps hold the crown against the tooth.<\/p>\r\n
Different crowns and different situations require types of cement. Your dentist chooses the material based on the crown and the tooth underneath not one cement for every patient.<\/p>\r\n
Right after the crown is cemented your mouth can feel a little strange. Your tongue keeps finding the crown because it is different from what was there before.<\/p>\r\n
You may also feel some sensitivity especially if the tooth was recently prepared. Mild sensitivity isn’t always a problem. Strong or ongoing discomfort should be talked about with your dentist.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Avoid foods at first because pulling on a new crown isn’t a good idea.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Your regular brushing routine still matters. The crown needs cleaning around the edges because the gumline doesn’t suddenly become easy to take care of.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 If your bite feels high after the numbness goes away let your dentist know. A small change can make a difference.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Flossing around the crown is still part of your care although your dentist may show you the easiest way to clean around it.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Sharp pain, a crown or a bite that feels very wrong is not something to ignore and hope goes away.<\/p>\r\n
A cemented crown should not get in your way. You should not spend every meal thinking about it. Keep checking if it has moved.<\/p>\r\n