If your dentist has recommended a crown, it is natural to wonder what the appointment involves, whether it will hurt and how long it takes. This guide walks you through the dental crown procedure step by step, so you know exactly what to expect at each visit.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, strength and appearance, and protects it from further damage. Crowns are made to match the color of your natural teeth, so they blend in with your smile.

Why you might need a crown

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to:

  • Protect a tooth that is cracked, worn down or weakened by a large cavity
  • Restore a tooth after root canal therapy
  • Replace a large, old filling that no longer has enough tooth around it
  • Cover a dental implant or anchor a dental bridge
  • Improve the look of a badly discolored or misshapen tooth

Types of dental crowns

  • Porcelain (all-ceramic): the most natural-looking option, often chosen for front teeth.
  • Zirconia: very strong and tooth-colored, a popular choice for back teeth.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): a metal core for strength with a porcelain outer layer.
  • Gold and metal alloys: extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth, usually used for back molars.

Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how hard you bite and how important appearance is to you.

The dental crown procedure, step by step

Getting a traditional crown usually takes two visits, about two to three weeks apart.

Visit 1: Exam and tooth preparation

  1. Exam and X-rays. Your dentist checks the tooth and the surrounding bone. If the nerve is badly infected, a root canal may be needed first.
  2. Numbing. The tooth and gum are numbed with local anesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain.
  3. Shaping the tooth. Any decay is removed, and a thin outer layer of the tooth is gently reshaped to make room for the crown. If a lot of the tooth is missing, it may be built up with filling material first.
  4. Impressions or digital scan. A precise model of your tooth is taken. Many offices now use a digital scanner such as iTero digital scanning instead of messy impression trays.
  5. Shade matching. The color of your neighboring teeth is recorded so the crown blends in.
  6. Temporary crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is made by a dental lab.

Visit 2: Placing your permanent crown

  1. The temporary crown is removed and the tooth is cleaned.
  2. The permanent crown is tried in, and the fit, color and bite are checked carefully.
  3. Once everything feels right, the crown is cemented or bonded firmly in place.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Because the area is numbed, most patients feel little more than pressure and vibration during the procedure. Afterward, the gum around the tooth may feel tender for a day or two, and the tooth can be slightly sensitive to cold. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually take care of any discomfort. If you feel anxious about dental work, ask about sedation options.

Caring for your temporary crown

  • Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum, which can pull the temporary off.
  • Chew on the other side of your mouth when you can.
  • When flossing, slide the floss out sideways instead of pulling it up.
  • If the temporary comes loose, call us so we can put it back on.

How long does a dental crown last?

With good care, a crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and many last much longer. To help yours go the distance, brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, keep up with your regular checkups, and avoid chewing ice or hard objects. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard protects both your crowns and your natural teeth.

Dental crowns in Temple, TX

Dr. Quang Luong provides custom dental crowns at Care Dental Spa, with a focus on a comfortable visit and a natural-looking result. Call 254-773-0055 or request an appointment to find out whether a crown is right for your tooth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dental crown procedure take?

The first visit, when the tooth is prepared, usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half. The second visit to place the permanent crown is typically shorter.

Can I eat after getting a crown?

Wait until the numbness wears off so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. With a temporary crown, stick to softer foods and avoid sticky or very hard foods until your permanent crown is placed.

Will my crown look natural?

Yes. Tooth-colored crowns are shade-matched to your neighboring teeth and shaped to fit your bite, so they look and feel like a natural tooth.