Are you about to get a dental crown and are not sure what will happen? You are not alone. Many people feel nervous before their dental crown treatment because they do not know what to expect. The good news is that it is a simple and very common dental procedure. This guide will walk you through every step so you feel calm, prepared, and confident on the day of your appointment.
At Essentials Dental, we make every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Read on to learn exactly what happens during a dental crown appointment from start to finish.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or weak tooth. It covers the whole tooth from the top down to the gum line. Once it is in place, it looks, feels, and works just like a natural tooth.
Dentists use crowns to:
- Repair a broken or cracked tooth
- Protect a tooth after a root canal
- Cover a badly decayed tooth
- Support a tooth with a large filling
- Improve the shape or color of a tooth
Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, zirconia, metal, or a mix of these materials. Your dentist will recommend the best type based on your needs. Want to learn more? Visit our Dental Crown Services page for full details.
The Dental Crown Process: Step by Step
The dental crown process usually takes two visits to the dentist. Here is exactly what happens at each stage.
Step 1: Your First Dental Crown Appointment Examination & X-Rays
Your dentist will first examine the tooth that needs a crown. They will take X-rays to check the root of the tooth and the surrounding bone. This helps them decide if a crown is the right treatment for you. If the tooth has a lot of decay or if the root is damaged, they may need to do a root canal first before placing the crown.
Step 2: Numbing the Area with Local Anesthesia
Before anything else happens, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth. They use a local anesthetic, which means you will be awake, but you will not feel any pain. You may feel a small pinch from the injection, but after that, the area will be completely numb. This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and the answer is simple: getting a dental crown should not hurt.
Step 3: Tooth Preparation Shaping the Tooth
Once your mouth is numb, the dentist will file down and reshape the tooth. This is called tooth preparation. They remove a small layer of enamel from the sides and top of the tooth to make room for the crown. The amount they remove depends on the type of crown being used. For example, metal crowns need less shaping than porcelain crowns. If the tooth is badly broken or decayed, the dentist may build it up first before shaping it.
Step 4: Taking an Impression, Making a Mold
After the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression (a mold) of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This impression is used to create your custom crown so it fits perfectly in your mouth. At Essentials Dental, we use advanced digital scanning technology instead of messy impression materials. This makes the process faster and more accurate. Learn more about our technology on our Advanced Technology page.
Learn more about our technology on our Advanced Technology page.
Step 5: Placing a Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made (this usually takes 1 to 2 weeks), your dentist will place a temporary crown on the tooth. This protects the tooth and keeps it from being sensitive. The temporary crown is not as strong as the permanent one, so you should avoid sticky or hard foods while wearing it. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Step 6: Your Second Dental Crown Appointment: Fitting the Permanent Crown
When your permanent crown is ready, you will come back for your second visit. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check if the new permanent crown fits correctly. They will check the shape, size, and color to make sure it looks natural and bites comfortably. If everything looks good, they will cement the permanent crown in place. You will leave with a fully restored tooth that looks and works just like a real one.
Same-Day Crowns: Some clinics now offer CEREC same-day crowns. Using digital scanning and in-office milling machines, the crown is made on the same day; no temporary crown is needed, and no second appointment is required. Ask our team if this option is available for you.
How Long Does the Dental Crown Procedure Take?
Each appointment usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. Here is a rough breakdown:
- First appointment (examination, shaping, impression): 60–90 minutes
- Lab time (making the crown): 1–2 weeks
- Second appointment (fitting and cementing): 30–60 minutes
Same-day CEREC crowns can complete the whole dental crown process in a single 2–3 hour visit.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
This is the number one question patients ask before their dental crown appointment. The honest answer is: no, it should not hurt.
Your dentist will numb the area before they start. You may feel some pressure when the tooth is being shaped, but there should be no pain. After the anesthesia wears off, some people feel mild soreness or sensitivity around the tooth for a day or two, especially near the gum line. This is completely normal and usually goes away on its own.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help if you feel sore. If you have severe pain after the procedure, contact your dentist right away.
Dental Crown Aftercare: What to Do After Your Treatment
Taking good care of your new crown will help it last for many years. Here are some easy aftercare tips:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Floss gently around the crown every day
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, especially right after the procedure
- Do not chew ice or bite your nails
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups
- If your crown feels uneven when you bite, see your dentist for a bite adjustment
For more detailed tips on keeping your crown in great shape, read our blog: How to Make Your Dental Crown Last Longer.
Types of Dental Crowns: Which One Is Right for You?
There are several types of dental crowns. Your dentist will recommend the best one based on the location of the tooth, your budget, and your personal preference.
Porcelain Crowns
These look the most natural and are best for front teeth. They match the color of your real teeth perfectly.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is very strong and looks natural. It is a popular choice for both front and back teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These have a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. They are strong and look fairly natural, though a dark line may appear at the gum over time.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns (gold or other alloys) are the most durable. They are usually used for back molars, where strength is more important than appearance.
Our experienced team at Essentials Dental will help you choose the right crown. Meet Our Team to learn more about our dentists.
Signs That You May Need a Dental Crown
Not sure if you need a crown? Here are the most common signs:
- You have a cracked or broken tooth
- Your tooth has severe decay that cannot be fixed with a filling alone
- You have recently had a root canal
- A large filling has weakened your tooth
- Your tooth is severely worn down from grinding
- You want to improve the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth
If you are experiencing any of these issues, book a consultation with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dental Crown Treatment
Q: How many appointments do I need for a dental crown?
A: Most dental crown treatments require two appointments, one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second to place the permanent crown. If your clinic offers same-day CEREC crowns, the whole process can be done in just one visit.
Q: How long does a dental crown last?
A: A well-cared-for dental crown can last between 10 and 15 years, and sometimes even longer. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding hard foods will help your crown last as long as possible.
Q: Is the dental crown procedure painful?
A: No. Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic before starting. You may feel some pressure but no pain during the procedure. Mild soreness after is normal and goes away in a day or two.
Q: Can I eat normally after getting a dental crown?
A: After your temporary crown, avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods. After your permanent crown is placed, you can eat normally, but it is still a good idea to protect the crown by avoiding very hard foods like ice or hard candy.
Q: What is the difference between a dental crown and a filling?
A: A filling repairs only a small part of a tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when there is too much damage for a filling to fix properly, or when the tooth needs extra protection.
Q: Will my dental crown look natural?
A: Yes! Modern dental crowns, especially porcelain and zirconia crowns, are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Most people cannot even tell the difference.
Q: How do I take care of my dental crown?
A: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid hard or sticky foods. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. With proper care, your crown can last many years.
Conclusion
Getting a dental crown is a straightforward and very effective way to restore a damaged tooth. Now that you know exactly what the dental crown procedure involves step by step, there is nothing to worry about. From numbing the area to fitting your permanent crown, every part of the process is designed to be as comfortable and easy as possible.
The key things to remember:
- The procedure usually takes two appointments
- It should not hurt if local anesthesia is used
- Good aftercare will help your crown last for many years
- Modern crowns look completely natural
Ready to get started? Book your dental crown appointment today or contact our friendly team to ask any questions. We are here to help you smile with confidence.
