Dental crowns are a versatile solution for restoring teeth that are damaged, decayed, or cosmetically imperfect. Designed to cover and protect the tooth, crowns blend functionality with aesthetics, ensuring your smile looks and feels natural. At Seaport Family Dental in Redwood City, CA, Dr. Steve Deng, DDS, specializes in personalized dental crown procedures, offering expert care from consultation to final placement.
Understanding what happens during each phase of the dental crown process can help you feel confident and prepared for your treatment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in getting a dental crown is a thorough consultation with Dr. Deng. During this visit, he will evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures to determine if a crown is the most suitable option.
What Happens During the Consultation?
- Examination: Dr. Deng will examine your teeth, gums, and bite.
- Imaging: Digital X-rays or 3D scans may be used to assess the extent of damage or decay.
- Treatment Planning: After identifying the need for a crown, Dr. Deng will explain the process, material options (ceramic, porcelain, metal, or zirconia), and expected outcomes.
This step is also your opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have about the procedure.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Once a crown is recommended and approved, the next phase involves preparing the tooth. This step ensures the crown fits securely and functions effectively.
What Happens During Tooth Preparation?
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to keep the area numb and the procedure pain-free.
- Reshaping the Tooth: Dr. Deng will carefully remove a small portion of the tooth’s enamel to create space for the crown.
- Addressing Decay or Damage: If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a filling may be used to rebuild its structure.
In some cases, if the tooth is too weak, a post or core build-up may be added to support the crown.
Step 3: Taking Impressions
Accurate impressions are critical for crafting a crown that fits seamlessly with your existing teeth.
How Are Impressions Taken?
- Traditional Molds or Digital Scans: Dr. Deng may use traditional putty molds or advanced digital scanning technology to capture a precise impression of your prepared tooth.
- Bite Alignment: Impressions of your bite ensure the crown will align perfectly with opposing teeth for proper chewing and comfort.
The impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians design a custom crown that matches your natural teeth in size, shape, and color.
Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement
While your permanent crown is being crafted, Dr. Deng will place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.
Caring for Your Temporary Crown
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the crown.
- Practice gentle brushing and flossing around the temporary crown to keep the area clean.
- Contact Seaport Family Dental immediately if the crown feels loose or falls off.
The temporary crown is essential for maintaining the tooth’s function and aesthetics while you wait for the permanent restoration.
Step 5: Final Crown Placement
After the lab completes your custom crown, you’ll return to Seaport Family Dental for the final placement.
What Happens During Placement?
- Removing the Temporary Crown: Dr. Deng will carefully remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth.
- Fitting the Permanent Crown: The new crown is placed over the prepared tooth, and adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and bite alignment.
- Securing the Crown: Once everything is finalized, the crown is bonded securely in place using dental cement or adhesive.
Patients typically notice immediate improvements in both function and appearance.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns offer numerous advantages, making them one of the most popular restorative treatments:
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.
- Durability: High-quality materials like porcelain or zirconia ensure crowns can last 10–15 years with proper care.
- Protection: Crowns shield the underlying tooth from further damage or decay.
- Functionality: They restore normal chewing and speaking abilities.
What to Expect After Crown Placement
It’s common to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort in the days following your crown placement. However, this typically resolves quickly.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Manage Sensitivity: Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoid extreme hot or cold foods.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep the crown and surrounding teeth healthy.
- Routine Check-Ups: Regular dental visits allow Dr. Deng to monitor the condition of your crown and address any potential issues early.
Why Choose Seaport Family Dental for Your Dental Crown?
At Seaport Family Dental, Dr. Deng combines expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver top-quality dental care. His meticulous approach ensures that every crown fits comfortably and enhances both function and aesthetics.
Located in Redwood City, CA, our practice is known for patient-centered care and a commitment to achieving outstanding results. From consultation to final placement, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction.
Invest in Your Smile Today
A dental crown is more than just a restoration—it’s an investment in your smile and oral health. Whether you need to repair damage, enhance aesthetics, or improve functionality, Dr. Steve Deng and the team at Seaport Family Dental are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact our Redwood City office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Sources:
- Pjetursson, B. E., & Lang, N. P. (2008). Prosthetic Treatment Options for the Edentulous Patient. International Journal of Prosthodontics.
- Christensen, G. J. (2007). The State of Fixed Prosthodontic Materials. Journal of the American Dental Association.
- Goodacre, C. J., & Bernal, G. (2003). Clinical Complications in Fixed Prosthodontics. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
