Undergoing treatment for and eventually having surgery for dental crowns and tooth bridges can be a daunting experience for some. In fact, any dental surgery can be scary for many people. However, preparing yourself in advance, as well as being informed about the procedures you’re embarking on can help alleviate some of the anxiety that might go along with these kinds of dental surgeries.
At Genuine Smiles, we believe in informing our patients as best as possible and preparing them for every step of the dental surgery journey. Here we unpack how to prepare for both dental crown and tooth bridge procedures, in order to minimise anxiety and ensure a pain-free procedure.
A step by step guide
Step 1 – Consult with your family dentist
The first step in preparing yourself for dental surgery is to set up a consultation or appointment with your family dentist to discuss your ailment, needs, and fears. A professional family dentist will be able to take you through the pros and cons of suitable treatment procedures and guide you as to the best one for your needs. Make sure you inform your family dentist of your medical history and any medication you are taking, which might inhibit your ability to get a dental crown or bridge.
Step 2 – Prepare yourself for an initial check-up
During the initial consultation, your family doctor will suggest a check-up to evaluate the status of your teeth and jaw, and your fitness for either crowns or bridges to be inserted. During this check-up, your dentist might suggest that root canal surgery be performed as a next step to ready your teeth and jawbone for the crowns or bridges to be inserted. An impression of your mouth will also need to be taken at some point as well, for the handmade crowns and bridges to be made from.
Prepare yourself for a few appointments, which might include root canal or not – this is not a one-size-fits-all kind of dental treatment, and any professional dentist will need to take time and care in readying your mouth for surgery.
Step 3 – Prepare yourself for the long haul
As mentioned above, needing dental crowns or tooth bridges is not a short process, and you will by no means be in and out with one appointment. For dental crowns for example, after preparing your mouth, possible root canal, and one or more dental impression appointments, your family dentist will most likely fit a temporary crown which is fixed in place by weak cement. This temporary crown is in place for 2 – 3 weeks to see if everything is fitted correctly and that you are comfortable before the final crown is fitted. Having dental bridges attached will also be a process that requires more than one check-up, fitting, and fixing appointments.
Step 4 – take your prescribed medicines
Depending on your levels of anxiety, your family dentist may suggest some medications to take before appointments and surgeries to reduce your levels of worry. We recommend taking the medication as prescribed and not trying to make it on your own. A pain medication schedule will also be prescribed to you after the surgery and should be followed as indicated.
No matter what your dental need may be, we suggest consulting a professional dentist who has many years’ worth of experience, like the team at Genuine Smiles, who can guide and assist you in deciding what the best dental treatment option for your individual needs would be.
Contact Genuine Smiles today – the most holistic, professional family dentist in Kogarah.
