What are the six steps in the dental crown process?

At Smile Today Dental, we believe in helping patients get the restorations they need when problems arise. Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo can assist with dental crowns. However, many patients who visit their Glenview, Illinois office have questions about this treatment, including the process of obtaining a dental crown from start to finish.

What are the six steps in the preparation, fabrication, and placement of a quality dental crown?

The process of receiving a dental crown includes the following steps:

• Candidacy. First, patients need to be appropriate candidates for dental crowns. Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo evaluate patients to determine if they are a good fit for a dental crown. For some, specific alternatives may be discussed during the initial evaluation and consultation appointment, including inlays, onlays, porcelain crowns, and even extraction–all depending on the patient’s current situation.
• Preparation. Once candidacy has been established, the next step is preparing the tooth for the dental crown restoration. This involves removing any tooth decay or damage from the existing tooth structure and shaping it to accommodate the final crown. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area during this process and ensure patients are comfortable and pain-free.
• Impressions. After preparation, an impression or mold is taken of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth to ensure a precise fit for the final dental crown restoration. This might be done using traditional putty-like material commonly used in creating dental appliances and fittings. 
• Fabrication. The impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will fabricate the custom-made crown based on the patient’s specific needs and preferences. This process typically takes two to three weeks, during which a temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown is bonded with a more temporary adhesive than the one used for the final restoration.
• Placement. Once the final dental crown is ready, our patients will return for their final appointment where the temporary crown is taken off and replaced with the permanent one. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure proper fit and bite. The permanent crown is then cemented or bonded into place, completing the process!
• Aftercare. After the placement of a dental crown, proper aftercare is critical to ensure its longevity and functionality. This includes maintaining proper oral hygiene practices like brushing twice each day and flossing daily, avoiding very hard or even sticky foods that can damage the crown, and following up with regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Who can I call to find out if I need a dental crown?

If you have concerns about a tooth in your smile and believe that a dental crown might suit you, we invite you to book a consultation visit with our team at Smile Today Dental! Drs. Evelyn Kidonakis and Jinyoung “Anny” Yoo are available to help those in and around the Glenview, Illinois, communities. We invite you to call us at 847-440-3331 to request time with our team and find out more by speaking to us at our office, conveniently located in Suite #250 at 2640 Patriot Boulevard.

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