Digital Dentistry for Dental Crowns

Digital dentistry has been around for several years, but it is becoming a more popular and common way to make models of the mouth. From these images, the dentist can create crowns in the office. This means you will not have to come in for multiple appointments and wait for weeks before getting a crown on your damaged tooth. There are other benefits and advantages to this approach. Your dentist can help you know whether this technique makes sense for your needs.

Crowns and their purpose

Dental crowns are one of the most common treatments for damaged and severely decayed teeth. These caps go completely over a tooth, protecting it from further damage. Crowns also stabilize weakened teeth and keep additional decay and infection from affecting the tooth. The dentist may choose a crown for a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth. Crowns are also handy to place over a tooth where a root canal was performed. Some patients even choose crowns to whiten teeth.

How digital dentistry works

Before dentists used digital images to create crowns, the process was longer. The dentist would take X-rays but would make a model of the mouth using a plaster-type substance. The model would go to a lab, where a technician would create the crown. It could take several weeks before the crown was ready. In the meantime, the patient would get a temporary crown.

With same-day crowns, the dentist can take 3D images instead of making impressions. The images then go to a computer-aided machine, which then communicates with a milling unit to make the crown. This is ordinarily made out of ceramic or porcelain using this method. A patient’s visit to the dentist to get a crown can take around an hour using these techniques.

Preparation

Before sending the image to the computer, the dentist must reshape the person’s tooth so that the crown will fit. The dentist then ensures that the crown will match the surrounding teeth and their color, size, and shape. The dentist can make any adjustments if necessary. The dentist will use cement to bond the crown over the tooth. Like with traditional crowns, in digital dentistry, the dentist will use light to cure the cement, allowing it to harden quickly.

Follow-up

The patient will not have to return for further crown work when the office uses digital dentistry. However, the dentist may choose to follow up with the patient a few weeks after the procedure. The dentist will make sure the crown fits comfortably. The patient can report any discomfort or pain at this point.

Care and maintenance

Digital dentistry allows the patient to get the crown in place faster. The cap will be durable and allow the patient to eat most foods. It also restores the person’s smile and full function of the mouth. Continually good oral hygiene and limiting hard, chewy, and sticky foods will extend the life of the crown.

A more convenient way to get a crown

Thanks to digital dentistry practices, you no longer have to wait for several weeks and make multiple visits to the dentist’s office to get a crown. Using 3D technology, the dentist can create the crown in the office during your appointment. If you need a crown, ask your dentist about this method. You could be a good candidate.

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