Getting a crown in the past usually meant multiple appointments with your dentist and a number of weeks with a temporary crown before the permanent crown was ready for placement. In addition to the length of the process, it was not unusual for patients to experience discomfort or sensitivity with the temporary crown since it was not designed to fit as snugly over the tooth as the permanent model. The process also involved making “gagging” impressions, using putty that looked and felt very uncomfortable to create a crown that would custom-fit over the damaged tooth.
Now, there is a new process of placing crowns that does not involve impressions, discomfort or a long waiting period. One-day crowns are available at La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry, giving our patients a faster, easier option for a more beautiful smile. These ceramic crowns are created and placed in a single appointment, saving you time and making the process easier and more comfortable overall. The one-day crowns are also ceramic, which means they blend in better with the rest of your teeth so you have more confidence with your appearance.
Preparing the Tooth
Before the crown can be made, the tooth must be prepared for crown placement. Dr. Kohani typically does this by removing decay and shaping the tooth so the crown will fit snugly over it. This process may be done under sedation or while the patient is listening to music or watching a program. The patient can choose the process based on their own personal comfort level and anxiety about the procedure.
Making the Impression
Once the tooth is prepared, an impression must be made to create the customized crown. Instead of using the putty and a mouthpiece, Dr. Kohani can now use state-of-the-art technology to scan the tooth and make a computerized image. The scanning device is simply placed on the tooth and the computer generates a 3D image. There is no discomfort or gagging reflux involved with the process!
Creating the Crown
The 3D image can then be used by the computer to create a customized crown while the patient waits. The entire process is enhanced by the precision of the technology and only takes a few minutes to complete. When finished, the new crown will fit snugly over the tooth so it will be nearly impossible to detect. In addition, the ceramic material used for the crown is biocompatible, which means there should be no allergic reaction or gum irritation caused by the crown.
Placing the Crown
After the crown is created and necessary cosmetic enhancements have been made, the crown is affixed to the tooth. Your permanent crown is in place after a single visit to our office. The new crown can be cared for just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Ceramic isn’t quite as strong as other types of crown materials, so it is important to protect your crown from excessive stress or pressure. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth at night, a mouth guard may be recommended.
The one-day crown is an excellent option for patients concerned about the time-consuming process, as well as the cosmetic appearance of traditional crowns. Dr. Kohani strives to ensure all of his patients have a positive, comfortable experience at La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry, whether they are coming in for a single crown or multiple dental implants. To learn more about this process or other services available, contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry today at 858-295-0603.
