We can usually design and place a dental crown in just two appointments. Let’s review the process to see what these visits involve.
First Dental Crown Appointment
During the first appointment, our dentist in Arlington, VA, will take the following steps:
- Examination and X-Rays — We will perform an exam and take x-rays of the tooth to determine the problem and whether a dental crown is the right treatment for your needs.
- Tooth Preparation — The next step is to numb the tooth to ensure your comfort. Then, we prepare the tooth by reshaping it so the crown will fit perfectly and look natural.
- Impressions and Temporary — We take comfortable, mess-free impressions of the tooth using a high-tech digital scanner that produces a 3-D virtual model of your teeth. Our dentist uses this model to create a temporary crown, and a trusted dental lab uses it to custom-craft your final piece.
Second Crown Appointment
The lab takes about two weeks to prepare your restoration, after which we will schedule a second appointment. Our dental team will carefully check your crown for quality and fit it on the tooth. Next, we will make adjustments to ensure the crown sits comfortably on the tooth and doesn’t interfere with your dental bite. The final step is securing the crown to your tooth with a long-lasting cement.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
If you have a decayed or broken tooth and think you might need a crown, please call our Arlington, VA, dental office at (703) 522-8894 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mooney.