Before a crown can be placed the dentist must treat the inside of the tooth. During a root canal the infected pulp is taken out. The inner part of the tooth is. Sealed so bacteria can’t get back in easily.<\/p>\r\n
After the procedure the tooth needs time to heal. Some people feel soreness for a few days. That\u2019s normal and nothing to worry about.<\/p>\r\n
Here\u2019s the thing. A tooth that has had a root canal can become more likely to crack. Much of its structure may already be gone. Back teeth take a lot of pressure when you chew. So leaving them unprotected isn\u2019t an idea in the long run.<\/p>\r\n
The crown helps spread chewing pressure across the tooth. It also protects what\u2019s left of the tooth structure. I think this is one step that deserves real attention. A cracked tooth causes more problems than getting the crown done.<\/p>\r\n
Once the dentist confirms the tooth is ready they begin shaping it so the crown will fit properly. Usually a thin layer of enamel and other tooth material is removed from around the outside.<\/p>\r\n
Sometimes there\u2019s healthy tooth left to support the crown directly. If not the dentist might need to add support inside the tooth before moving forward.<\/p>\r\n
You usually don\u2019t leave with the crown on the same day. Instead the dentist places a crown while the permanent one is being made.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Temporary, but still important. Treat it carefully because it\u2019s not built like the crown.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 Sticky foods are not an idea. Especially if you tend to chew on one side without thinking.<\/p>\r\n
\u2022 If the temporary crown feels loose or comes off call the office right away. Don\u2019t try to glue it yourself.<\/p>\r\n
At the appointment the dentist checks how the permanent crown fits on your prepared tooth. Fit matters a lot. A crown that\u2019s too high can make your bite feel strange. One that doesn\u2019t fit well can lead to problems later.<\/p>\r\n
The dentist may ask you to bite down times while making small adjustments. After everything fits right the crown is cemented into place.<\/p>\r\n
Brush around the crowned tooth. Clean between your teeth every day. The crown itself can\u2019t get a cavity. The tooth underneath and the gums, around it still need care.<\/p>\r\n
If you notice pain that won\u2019t go away swelling, a loose crown or a bite that feels off after the tooth has fully settled contact your dentist. Something that feels wrong for weeks should be checked out.<\/p>\r\n