An injured or severely decayed tooth may be saved from extraction with the help of a dental crown, which covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. They are widely used as restorations due to their longevity and adaptability. They can last up to 20 years with the right care, and with the help of CEREC technology, they can now be installed in only one dental appointment while still looking and feeling perfectly natural. If you have a dental crown appointment coming up with a dentist in Kokomo, IN, here is what you should know. 

How Does One Get Their Tooth Ready for a Crown?

The following procedures will be performed by your dentist in order to prepare your tooth for a dental crown:

• The patient receiving a dental crown is first numbed with a local anesthetic to stay awake and alert during the entire treatment.

• Your dentist will clean out your teeth and remove any decayed or damaged tissue. Eliminating any lingering bacteria will protect the remaining structure’s integrity.

• In order to stop the spread of bacteria, your dentist will thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth.

• Gutta-percha, a unique dental substance, will be used to fill and seal your tooth, preventing any more infections.

• Your dentist will use specialized devices to polish the tooth’s surface.

How Do Dentists Install Crowns?

With CEREC technology, getting a dental crown only takes a few easy steps and roughly two to four hours. These are the steps involved in the process:

• Your crown can be made once your dentist takes a 3D scan of your mouth.

• Your crown will be machined down from a ceramic block, depending on the data provided from the scans.

• The crown will be cemented onto the surface of the prepared tooth by your dentist. The local anesthetic will make the procedure completely painless.

How long does it take for a tooth crown to heal?

While the local anesthetic should keep you pain-free throughout the treatment, you may feel sore for a while afterward. This should be short-lived and treatable with over-the-counter pain medication. After two weeks, if you are still experiencing pain or discomfort, it is time to call the dentist for a follow-up visit.

Consult your dentist even if you already have dental crowns so you know what to expect during your next appointment. A properly maintained dental crown can last for up to 20 years with proper hygiene and preventative measures.