We use our teeth for everything—eating our favorite meals, chatting with friends, and smiling for photos. But sometimes, a tooth goes through more than it can handle. Maybe you have a large cavity that a simple filling can’t fix, a crack from an accident, or a tooth that has become brittle after a root canal. When a tooth is too weak to work on its own, a dental crown is often the best way to save it.

At Schaumburg Dental Studio, we don’t think dental work should be a mystery. We meet people every day who feel a bit nervous about the "drill" or the "process," but once they understand how a crown works, that worry usually goes away. A crown is basically a custom-made "cap" that fits over your tooth to make it strong and look good again.

If you’ve been looking for a dentist in Schaumburg to help fix a broken tooth, you’re in the right place. Let’s go through exactly what happens when you get a dental crown, from the first visit to the finished result.

Why Would You Need a Dental Crown?

Before we look at the steps, it helps to know why your dentist in Schaumburg might suggest this. It isn't just about looks; it’s about keeping the tooth safe.

Saving a Weak Tooth

If a tooth is cracked or has a very large filling, it might break even more. A crown acts like a helmet, holding the tooth together so you can chew without worrying.

Better Looks

Crowns are a great way to cover teeth that are badly stained or shaped strangely. Because we can match the color to your other teeth, it looks completely real.

Finishing Other Work

Crowns are the final step for other treatments. For example, after a dental implant is put in or a root canal is finished, a crown is used so you can bite down normally. At Schaumburg Dental Studio, we make sure the crown fits your bite perfectly.

Step 1: The Exam and Getting Ready

The process starts with a checkup. Your dentist in Schaumburg will take X-rays to look at the roots of the tooth and the bone around it. If there is any decay or infection, we have to fix that first.

Numbing the Spot

We want you to be relaxed. Before any work starts, we use medicine to numb the tooth and the gums. You might feel a little pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt.

Shaping the Tooth

To make room for the crown, the tooth needs to be shaped. This means taking off a little bit of the outside of the tooth. If a big part of the tooth is missing because of damage, we might use "filling" material to build it up so the crown has a solid place to sit.

Step 2: Taking a Mold

Once the tooth is shaped, we need to make a map of your mouth so the lab can build your custom crown.

Putty vs. Digital Scans

In the past, this meant biting into a tray of messy, thick putty. While some people still do that, many modern offices, like Schaumburg Dental Studio, use digital scanners. This is much nicer for the patient and gives us a perfect 3D model of your tooth.

Matching the Color

We don't want your new tooth to look different from the others. We use a color guide to pick a shade that looks just like your natural teeth.

Step 3: The Temporary Crown

It usually takes about two weeks for a lab to make your permanent crown. During that time, you don't want your tooth left open in your mouth.

Protecting the Tooth

We will give you a temporary crown made of plastic or resin. We use a temporary glue to hold it on. It won’t be as strong as the final one, so you’ll need to be a little careful with what you eat for a bit.

Taking Care of the Temporary

While you have the temporary, try to stay away from sticky foods like gum or candy that could pull it off. When you floss, slide the string out the side instead of pulling it up so you don't pop the crown loose. If it does come off, just call your dentist in Schaumburg and we will put it back on for you.

Step 4: Putting on the Permanent Crown

This is the big day! Once your permanent crown comes back to Schaumburg Dental Studio, you’ll come in for your second visit.

Checking the Fit

We will take off the temporary crown and clean your tooth. Then, we put the permanent crown on to check the fit and the color. We look closely at how it lines up with your other teeth and how your bite feels when you close your teeth together.

Gluing it Down

If everything looks and feels good, we use a strong permanent glue to bond the crown to your tooth. We do one last check to make sure everything is clean, and then you are all done!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does getting a crown hurt?

A: The area is numbed, so you shouldn't feel pain. Some people feel a little soreness in the gums or a bit of sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days, but this usually goes away fast.

Q: How long do dental crowns last?

A: On average, crowns last between 10 and 15 years. However, if you brush well and keep visiting Schaumburg Dental Studio, they can last much longer—sometimes 20 or 30 years!

Q: Can a crowned tooth get a cavity?

A: The crown itself cannot rot, but the real tooth underneath it still can. This usually happens at the edge where the crown meets the gum. This is why brushing and flossing are still so important.

Q: Is it expensive?

A: The cost depends on what the crown is made of (like porcelain or gold) and where the tooth is. Many insurance plans pay for part of it because it’s a fix for a broken tooth. Our team at Schaumburg Dental Studio can help you check your insurance before we start.

Why Choose Schaumburg Dental Studio?

We know that going to the dentist isn't everyone's favorite thing to do. That’s why we focus on making the visit as easy and friendly as possible. When you come to see us, you aren't just a name on a chart; you’re our neighbor.

As a top dentist in Schaumburg, we use the newest tools to make sure your crown fits right and looks great. We take the time to answer your questions so you feel good about your dental health. We believe a healthy smile makes life better, and we are happy to help you get there.

Taking Care of Your New Crown

Once your permanent crown is on, you can treat it mostly like a real tooth.

• Brushing: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing: Floss every day to keep the gums clean.
• Don't Bite Hard Things: Don't use your teeth to open bags or chew on ice. Even a strong crown can chip if you put too much pressure on it!
• Night Guards: If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a guard to protect your crown.

Ready to Fix Your Tooth?

Living with a broken or painful tooth is no fun. You don't have to just live with it. Whether you need a crown to save a tooth or you just want to make your smile look better, the team at Schaumburg Dental Studio is here for you.

If you’re looking for a kind and expert dentist in Schaumburg, give us a call. We will take a look, explain what we can do, and help you get back to smiling. Let's get your teeth healthy again.