The purpose of your crown preparation appointment was to remove decay and weak tooth structure, and then to create a foundation on which a comfortable, functional, and esthetic crown might be placed.
We utilized a dental laser to ready the gum tissue surrounding the crown for the impression to follow that captured the detail of the preparation. (Click on this link for more information on Laser Dentistry).
The laser also bio-stimulated the gums so they might be more comfortable, and to enable them to heal more quickly while your crown is being fabricated at our dental laboratory. (Click on this link for more information on Soft Laser Therapy).
Since crowns are generally indicated only when there has been significant damage to the tooth, inflammation of the nerve may have been present prior to treatment, or could occur as a result of treatment. We take steps to minimize inflamation which is generally, but not always, reversible.
At the conclusion of your appointment, we placed a temporary crown that is both functional and esthetic, but you need to treat it with care when chewing vigorously and when brushing and flossing your teeth.
Remember the primary purpose of this interim crown iis to protect the tooth beneath. It won't fit nor will it function as well as the permanent crown you will shortly receive.
The Healing Process
- Medication - If you have been given Naproxen by a member of our staff, take one tablet after your appointment, and another 8 hours later.
- Foods - Avoid gooey sticky foods such as gum, caramels, etc., as well as hard foods that might require strong biting pressure. Remember your tooth has had a surgical procedure.
- Home Care - When flossing, go down through the contacts, but slide the floss out sideways and not up again through the contact.
- Soothing Rinses - Use warm salt water rinses several times a day.
- Discomfort - If the tooth beneath your temporary crown becomes sensitive, please call our office. An adjustment may be necessary. There is no additional fee for this, and relief may be significant.
- Loose Temporary Crown - If your temporary crown happens to become loose for whatever reason, reposition it if possible and call the office to have it re-cemented in place.
Crown Cementation
When you return for the placement of the permanent crown, we will be happy to numb the area so you will be more comfortable during the process. Expect the gum tissue to be healthy because of the excellent fit of the temporary crown, because healing was stimulated by the laser at the preparation appointment, and if you maintain oral hygiene in the interim. We will try-in the crown, evaluate the esthetics and fit, and make adjustments as needed.
When you leave with your new crown, you will be able to use it immediately and shortly treat it as you would a normal tooth. The porcelain used in the crown is about as hard as natural tooth enamel, so it should hold up just fine under normal chewing forces. If you treat your new crown as you would your other natural teeth, you won't have to worry about its fit or function. In fact, in a few days, you will likely forget all about it. The best advertising we could hope fore is that you never think about your crown while others only admire your even more beautiful smile. With good home care and regular check-ups, you should enjoy your new crown for many years to come.
Our Mission Statement
The esthetic crowns we provide for our patients reflect our vision at The Center for Advanced Dentistry. This quality of care helps you to enjoy a healthy mouth and pleasing smile. Through continuing education, we are constantly learning how to incorporate into our practice new equipment, materials, and methods that improve out skills in the discipline of "prosthetic esthetic" dentistry.
It is our ongoing mission to maintain an environment in which we provide oral health care of the highest quality, in an atmosphere of mutual trust and acceptance. We value our reputation that is built upon service, and invite your participation to help us achieve our goals. (Click on this link for more information:
Touch the Future).