Dental Crowns

Consultation

The first step is your consultation. Dr. Tyagi will start by examining your mouth and taking x-rays to determine if any of your teeth require a dental crown. If we determine that a crown would be beneficial, we will choose a shade that will match the rest of your teeth, especially if it is a front tooth.
If you have any questions or concerns, we will be happy to address them at this time. If you have dental anxiety, please let us know so that we can include sedation in your treatment plan.

Tooth Preparation

Before a crown can be placed on your tooth, we must prepare it. In order to ensure the crown fits properly, this often means the tooth must be filed down some. If this isn’t done, it could cause the crown to be weak, resulting in loss of healthy tissue.
Before any work is done, we will numb the area with local anesthesia. If there is significant injury or decay in the tooth, Dr. Tyagi may perform a root canal or build-up. We strive to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Impressions and Fabrication of Crown

Once the tooth is prepared, we will pull the gum tissue back from the tooth so that we can get a clear view of it. This process is known as gingival retraction. The next step is to create an impression or model of the tooth. This will be sent to the lab for the fabrication of your crown.  

Temporary Crown Placement

Typically, it takes several days or weeks for your permanent crown to be delivered to the clinic. We do not want to leave the tooth exposed and susceptible to additional damage, so a temporary crown will be placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent other teeth from shifting. The temporary crown will be attached with temporary dental cement.

Permanent Crown Placement

Finally, when we have your permanent crown, we will schedule your appointment to have it placed. We start by removing the temporary crown and thoroughly cleaning the tooth.
Then, we will check to ensure that the crown fits properly. If not, we can make some minor adjustments in the office. Once we are sure that it fits properly, we will secure it with dental cement that will last for years.
Finally, we will check to make sure your bite is even. If not, we may need to file down the opposing tooth.

Aftercare

Following the procedure, Dr. Tyagi will give you specific instructions on how to care for your dental crown properly. Some of the general recommendations are:
●     Avoid putting too much pressure on the crown when brushing your teeth
●     Gently floss every day
●     Avoid hard or sticky foods, such as popcorn or nuts
●     Chew on the opposite side
●     Use an OTC pain reliever or topical gel as needed
●     Visit the clinic every 6 months for an exam and cleaning