What to Expect When Getting a Digital Crown
- Jul 20 2022
If you have an upcoming appointment to receive a digital crown, you’re probably curious about what the procedure entails. While the digital crown procedure isn’t overly complicated, there are some aspects of it you’ll want to know about before your appointment. We’ve collected that information in this simple guide. We hope it helps you feel better prepared and more comfortable about your upcoming procedure.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a prosthetic cap that’s designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. It can be fitted over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its form and function. Crowns are usually a good option when damage or decay is significant, but a fair amount of natural tooth remains.
What is a digital crown?
A digital crown is the same as a traditional crown, except it’s created using cutting-edge digital imaging technology. This technology allows for a better fit, a better feel, and a much quicker procedure.
Traditional crowns are made with a mold, which gets sent to a lab that fashions the prosthetic. This process can take weeks, and although it’s effective, it’s not 100% accurate, and mistakes can be made. With digital crowns, the odds are that you’ll receive a prosthetic in a matter of days.
The Digital Crown Procedure
If you decide to move forward with a digital crown, you can expect the following:
Consultation
You’ll need to see your dentist first to ensure that a digital crown is your best option. At your consultation, your dentist will give you an oral exam and take a look at the affected tooth. If a filling won’t do, but there’s enough tooth to support a crown, you’ll likely be approved for the procedure. After that, you can schedule your digital crown appointment.
The Day of Your Appointment
When you come in to receive your digital crown, your dentist will explain the procedure to you. After that, your dental team will numb your mouth, prepare your tooth, and take digital scans. They’ll send the images to a lab for the digital crown to be created. You’ll be given a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime.
Day of Your Second Appointment
Your custom-fitted digital crown should be finished in about 3 or 4 days. Once it’s complete, you’ll come back to your dentist to have it fitted. Once you and your dentist have determined that the crown fits comfortably, the procedure is complete. You’ve now got a brand-new smile.
Digital Crown Recovery Period
The recovery period for a digital crown is usually only a few days. You might experience a little sensitivity and inflammation, but the procedure generally doesn’t involve much discomfort. Pain relievers may not even be necessary, but if they are, over-the-counter products should be enough. Always make sure to listen to your dentist’s instructions to help you avoid complications with your recovery.
Caring for Your Digital Crown
Once patients recover from the procedure, they typically can return to life as usual. There are just a few things you’ll want to consider about caring for your new digital crown.
While digital crowns are strong, you should still be cautious about eating sticky or hard foods if you have one. You should also make sure to stick to a great oral hygiene routine. That’s always important, of course, but it’s even more important with your new digital crown. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and consider fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash for extra protection.
Digital Crowns from Payam Cohen, D.D.S, P.C. in Queens, NY
If you’re interested in having a crown placed, Dr. Payam Cohen in Queens, NY, can help you decide whether a digital crown is right for you. Payam Cohen, D.D.S, P.C., can use cutting-edge technology to address your oral health concerns and help you achieve the smile you want. Call today to learn more.
Categories: General Dentistry