A dental crown is a ceramic cap that fits over a tooth, shielding it from external threats and preserving its structure. Dentists often recommend this treatment for teeth that have sustained significant damage, though it has a variety of oral health benefits.

If you feel nervous about upcoming dental work, you may feel more relaxed in the dentist’s chair if you know what to expect from the procedure. To alleviate lingering dental fear, Dr. Kim Westermann, a dentist serving patients in Louisville, KY, outlines what you can expect when receiving a dental crown to restore your smile.

Dental Health Evaluation

If you have concerns about your teeth, you should call your dentist and schedule a consultation appointment. During this visit, your dentist can use state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to locate and evaluate any problems with your smile.

If your tooth has sustained structural damage, your dentist may recommend that you receive a dental crown. This crown can offer optimal protection for the tooth while also improving its function and appearance.

Tooth Surface Preparation

If you and your dentist decide to pursue restorative dental treatment with a crown, the first step in the process is to prepare the surface of the affected tooth. This entails scraping away a small amount of enamel from the tooth to make room for the ceramic cap. You will receive a local anesthetic injection for maximum comfort during this procedure.

Digital Impression Generation

With your tooth ready for restorative treatment, your dentist will use a digital scan to generate an impression of your smile. This technology will capture an accurate image of your smile and use it to create a customized dental crown that will be both effective and comfortable for your unique smile. The dentist will factor in the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth to ensure a beautiful and natural-looking finish.

Prior methodology meant that impressions required physical molds that could be messy and take time to create a permanent crown. With advancements in equipment and technology, dentists can give you your personalized crown in one day.

Dental Crown Placement

Once the crown is ready, your dentist will secure it into place over the vulnerable tooth using dental cement. A final polish will provide a gorgeous finish, leaving you with a preserved, healthy, and beautiful smile.

They will check your bite before you leave their office, ensuring you can perform oral functions without disruption. With proper care and maintenance, your crown can remain in place, providing cosmetic and restorative benefits, for fifteen or more years.

Dental Crowns and Other Restorative Treatments in Louisville, KY

Westermann Family Dentistry offers same-day dental crown procedures and other restorative dental treatments to patients in Louisville, KY. Dr. Westermann also specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening services, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 502.426.1022 or reach a member of our staff online.