As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or situations, but I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question. Dentists typically do not keep crown molds in their offices for an extended period of time. Once the mold, also known as an impression, is taken at the dentist’s office, it is usually sent to a dental laboratory for the construction of the dental crown.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Taking the mold: When a patient requires a dental crown, the dentist will first prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damaged areas. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression material, such as a putty-like substance or a digital scanner, is used to create a mold of the tooth and the surrounding area. This mold captures the exact shape and size needed for the dental crown.
2. Sending the mold to the lab: After the mold is taken, it is carefully packaged and sent to a dental laboratory. The lab is responsible for fabricating the dental crown based on the specifications provided by the dentist. The mold is typically accompanied by detailed instructions, including the desired shape, size, color, and material of the crown.
3. Construction of the dental crown: At the dental lab, skilled technicians use the mold to create a custom-made dental crown. They may use various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these, depending on the patient’s needs and the dentist’s recommendation. The crown is designed to fit precisely over the prepared tooth, ensuring a comfortable and natural-looking result.
4. Returning the crown to the dentist’s office: Once the dental crown is constructed, it is sent back to the dentist’s office. The crown is carefully packaged and delivered to the dentist, who will then schedule an appointment with the patient for its placement.
5. Placing the dental crown: During the final appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, if one was placed, and try on the newly received dental crown. They will check the fit, color, and overall appearance to ensure it matches the patient’s natural teeth. If any adjustments are needed, the dentist can make minor modifications to the crown before permanently cementing it onto the tooth.
Dentists typically do not keep crown molds in their offices as the molds are sent to a dental laboratory for the construction of the dental crown. The lab technicians use the mold to fabricate a custom-made crown, which is then returned to the dentist’s office for placement on the patient’s tooth.