What Dentists Do to Prepare Teeth for Crowns

Dental crowns are basically caps for teeth, so getting them sounds simple enough. Doesn’t a dentist just have to place them, cement them, and check their final appearance? The process involves more than that, though; dentists must actually prepare teeth for crowns. Such work benefits the overall treatment, and it features several steps with various methods. For further details, here’s a primer from your local Minot dental practice.

The Stages of Prepping Teeth for Crowns

Before they can place your restorations, dentists must take four steps to prepare your teeth for crowns. These are:

Assess Your Smile

A dentist will first assess your smile, including the affected tooth, for damage. Through varied approaches, this effort identifies areas that need a dental crown’s protection. It often involves direct observation and dental X-rays.

Drill the Tooth

Once the dentist decides you need a crown, they’ll next drill into the tooth. This work is painless, despite rumors to the contrary; the dental team will have numbed your mouth beforehand. That means the relevant drilling won’t (or at least shouldn’t) cause any aches or irritation. At the very most, you’ll only experience mild pressure as the dentist operates.

Perform Cleaning & Filling

The dentist will clean and fill your tooth’s interior when they’re done drilling. By doing so, they’ll remove harmful elements from your mouth and disinfect the treatment site. The “cleaning and filling” step also strengthens your tooth’s overall structure, making it sturdier and more durable.

Smooth Your Enamel

For the conclusion of the “tooth prep,” the dentist smooths your tooth’s enamel. Your tooth’s jagged edges could otherwise cut your mouth’s tissues, harming your oral health over time.

How Does “Crown Prep” Help You?

By having your tooth prepared for its crown, you enjoy the following benefits:

• Versatile Care – A crown fits more effectively over a prepared tooth, so the latter ensures better results for pre-existing cavities, chips, cracks, etc.
• A Healthier Smile – When a dental team smooths your enamel, they make sure your final crown fits comfortably and doesn’t cause injuries.
• Natural Looks – A dental crown blends more seamlessly with your smile when its underlying tooth is prepared first.
• Long-Lasting Results – You can expect a dental crown to last longer when it’s placed over a prepared tooth. Indeed, it could work 15-30 years or more.

You can always learn more about the tooth preparation process for dental crowns. To do so, just consult your local dental provider – they’ll tell you everything!

About the Practice

Souris Valley Dental Group is based in Minot, MD. Led by Drs. Hensen, Brodersen, Brekhus, and Neil, our practice does everything it can to help every smile thrive. We thus focus on comprehensive dental care, offering everything from dental checkups and cleanings to top-tier dental crowns. Our team also offers same-day oral emergency care, ensuring patients can get urgent help quickly. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (701)-852-5595.