Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
Need A Dental Crown? Know What You Should Expect
Jordan Arnold
Has your dentist told you that you need a dental crown to fix one of your teeth? If so, you may be wondering what the procedure involves. The procedure does take two trips to the dentist in order to complete, which is why it helps to know what to expect during each visit.
First Visit
By this point, your dentist will have already determined a need for a dental crown. Your first return visit to the dentist will involve preparing your mouth for the crown that needs to be made. Many dental patients think that a crown simple fits on top of your existing tooth, but that is not true. Your dentist will actually have to shave off portions of the tooth so that the crown fits on top of it, all without adding additional size to the tooth where it would feel unnatural in your mouth.
The amount of tooth that needs to be removed will depend on the kind of material that the crown is made out of. You may be surprised at how much of the natural tooth will remain, and even questions why you would get a crown placed on the tooth instead of having it pulled. Know that retaining the living tooth and its natural root is going to be better for your jaw over the years since it provides stimulation that prevents the jawbone from deteriorating.
Once the dentist has finished reshaping the tooth, a mold will be taken of your mouth so that a crown can be created that will be sure to fit perfectly. Thankfully, you won't be sent home with an odd-shaped tooth. You'll be given a temporary crown that attaches with dental cement.
Second Visit
You'll return to the dentist once your dental crown is ready. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and attach the new one, which should be a pretty straightforward procedure. Your dentist will let you know all of the ways you should care for your new dental crown, as well as what potential problems to be aware of. You'll want to return to the dentist if you have any indication that the crown is coming loose or is causing you discomfort. If the crown does fall off, you'll want to hold onto the crown so it can be reattached. This will save you money from having to recreate a new dental crown from scratch, which can also take a while to create.
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