You might be wondering what to expect when you obtain a dental crown if your dentist has advised you that you need one. Many people hear about the dental crown procedure and think it sounds complicated or painful. The truth is, the process is straightforward, and with the right dentist, it’s almost always comfortable and stress-free.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything about dental crown treatment in simple terms. You’ll learn about the step-by-step dental crown procedure, the types of dental crowns, and how to choose the right material. We’ll also explain the difference between a temporary and a permanent crown, what happens during a tooth crown procedure, and even how long it takes to get a dental crown.
Many people ask questions like:
“Is getting a crown painful?”
“Does a dental crown hurt?”
“Do you need anesthesia for a crown every time?”
You’ll find the answers here. We’ll even cover same-day dental crowns, so you know all your options. By the end, you’ll feel confident about your dental crown preparation and what comes after.
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Might You Need One?
Before we dive into the step-by-step dental crown procedure, let’s start with the basics.
One way to think of a dental crown is to think of it like a cap that covers a tooth. It’s part of a common dental crown treatment used to fix teeth that are weak, broken, or badly decayed. You can think of it as protecting your tooth. It makes it stronger, fixes its shape, and keeps it safe for years.
Here are some common reasons you might need a tooth crown:
- Your tooth is cracked or fractured.
- You had a large filling, and now the tooth needs more support.
- Because of how fragile these teeth are, you recently had a root canal.
- You want to improve the shape or color of a tooth for a better smile.
The types of dental crowns vary, but the purpose is the same: to protect your tooth and restore function. The benefits include enhanced strength, improved appearance, and long-term protection for your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
If you’re worried about what happens during a dental crown procedure, relax, it’s a routine treatment dentists do every day. The steps in the process are easy to understand, some people even get same-day dental crowns, which means you leave the office with a permanent crown in just one visit. Some people get a temporary crown first and then come back later for the permanent one.
No matter which option you choose, the goal is the same: a crown that looks natural, fits perfectly, and lasts for years.
Temporary vs Permanent Crown: What’s the Difference?
One thing patients always ask about is the difference between a temporary and vs permanent crown. Here’s a quick explanation:
- Temporary crown: Once your tooth is prepared for a permanent crown, a temporary crown will be placed on top of it. It keeps the tooth safe while the real crown is being made.
- Permanent crown: This is the final crown, made from strong materials like porcelain or metal. It’s designed to last 10–15 years with proper care.
Types of Dental Crowns You Can Choose From
There are several types of dental crowns, and each has pros and cons. For example:
- Porcelain dental crowns – Best for front teeth because they look natural
- Metal crowns – They are very strong and work well for back teeth that chew a lot
- Ceramic crowns – Good balance of strength and looks
Step-by-Step Process of Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown may sound complicated, but it’s not. It’s a simple process your dentist does every day. Here’s the step-by-step process of getting a dental crown explained in plain language.
Step 1: First Dental Visit: Consultation & Examination
Once you’ve decided to get a dental crown, your first visit to the dentist will focus on understanding your tooth’s condition and planning the treatment.
What Happens During the Consultation?
- Dental Examination: The dentist will check your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues
- X-rays: These help the dentist see the roots of your tooth and the bone around it
- Discussion: Your dentist will explain if you need any extra steps, like a root canal, before the crown
This visit is about information and planning. The dentist will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and answer common questions like:
- Is getting a crown painful?
- How long does the process take?
Preparing for the Procedure
If your tooth is broken, decayed, or weak, the dentist may recommend restoring the tooth before placing the crown. This ensures your crown has a strong base to stay in place.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Now that your dentist knows your tooth needs a crown, the next step is tooth preparation. This is the part where your dentist forms your teeth so that the crown fits correctly. This is what generally happens:
- The dentist will remove any damaged or decayed part of the tooth.
- Then, they will file down the tooth to make space for the crown.
- If too much tooth is missing, the dentist may add a filling material to build it up so the crown can stay in place.
But don’t worry, this step is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the process. It’s just like getting a filling done.
Why is this step important?
If the tooth isn’t shaped properly, the crown won’t fit well, which can cause problems like discomfort, biting issues, or the crown coming loose.
Step 3: Taking Impressions for Your Dental Crown
The dentist needs to make a replica of your tooth after shaping it. This is called taking an impression, and it’s a key part of the step-by-step process of getting a dental crown.
Here’s how it’s done:
- The dentist will use a soft putty-like material or a digital scanner to take an exact copy of your tooth.
- This copy shows the size and shape of your tooth and how it fits with your other teeth.
- The dental lab uses this model to make your permanent crown so it fits perfectly and looks natural.
Nowadays, digital scans are very common, they are quicker, cleaner, and more comfortable than the old sticky mold material.
And why is this step important?
If the impression isn’t accurate, your crown may not fit right, which can cause you pain when chewing and other things. That’s why dentists take extra care at this stage.
Step 4: Placing the Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made in the dental lab, your dentist won’t leave your tooth uncovered. They will place a temporary crown to protect it.
This is what happens:
- The dentist makes a crown right there in the office with a temporary material.
- This crown is not as strong as the permanent one, but it keeps your tooth safe from damage and sensitivity.
- The temporary crown is attached using temporary cement, so it can be removed easily later.
Why do you need a temporary crown?
Without it, your tooth would be exposed and very sensitive to hot, cold, or even air. A temporary crown also keeps your other teeth in the right position so your bite doesn’t change before the permanent crown arrives.
What should you remember?
- Avoid sticky or hard foods because the temporary crown can come loose.
- Brush gently around it to keep it clean.
Step 5: Placing the Permanent Dental Crown
When the dental lab is done making your permanent crown, you will go back to the dentist for the last step, and this is the exciting part because your new crown will look and feel just like a natural tooth.
Here’s what happens:
- The dentist removes the temporary crown carefully
- They clean the tooth to make sure everything is healthy and ready
- Then, the dentist checks how the permanent crown fits on your tooth. They make sure it feels comfortable and matches your bite
- If everything is perfect, the dentist uses special dental cement to attach the crown permanently
How long does this take?
Usually, this appointment is much faster than the first one. It can take about 20–30 minutes because most of the work was done before.
How does it feel?
At first, it might feel a little strange because your tooth has a new shape, but you will get used to it in a few days. After that, it will feel like all of your other teeth.
Step 6: Aftercare Tips for Your Dental Crown
Once your permanent crown is in place, you want to take care of it so it lasts a long time. A dental crown can last 10–15 years or more if you care for it properly. Here are some simple tips:
1. Brush and Floss Daily
Even though the crown is artificial, the tooth under it is still real. Brush twice a day and floss once a day to keep your gums and the tooth healthy.
2. Avoid Hard Foods
Don’t bite hard things like ice, pens, or nuts. This can crack the crown or loosen it.
3. Watch for Sensitivity
Some people feel mild sensitivity after getting a dental crown, especially with hot or cold drinks. Typically, this will disappear within a few days, but if it doesn’t, call your dentist.
4. Go for Regular Checkups
Visit your dentist every 6 months for a checkup. The dentist will check your crown and gums to make sure they are healthy.
5. If Crown Feels Loose, Act Fast
If you feel your crown moving or if it falls out, don’t wait. Call your dentist right away so they can fix it.
In Summary…
Getting a dental crown starts with a check-up and X-rays to see if you need one. Then, the dentist numbs your tooth, cleans it, and shapes it so the crown will fit. They take a scan or impression, and you get a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the real one is made. Permanent crowns can be made of metal, clay, or porcelain. When it’s ready, the dentist checks the fit and glues it on. The whole process is painless with anesthesia. After that, keep your crown and gums healthy by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Now that you know the details and procedure for dental crowns, what are you waiting for? If you’re in the Los Angeles area, book a consultation today and get your dental crown from Westchester Dental Arts!
FAQs About Dental Crowns
1. Does a dental crown hurt?
Instead of experiencing pain, you should experience pressure when you are under local anesthesia.
2. Is getting a crown painful if I have sensitive teeth?
We can numb thoroughly and use gentle techniques. Tell us where you feel sensitivity so we can keep you comfortable during dental crown treatment.
3. How long does it take to get a dental crown?
For most cases, you will need to schedule two appointments, although same-day dental crowns just require one. Every situation differs in terms of the total time required.
4. Do you need anesthesia for a crown every time?
Yes, when it comes to preparing dental crowns. Occasionally, for the purpose of serving as a seat. Our plan is based on your comfort level.
5. What’s the difference between a temporary and a permanent crown?
The temporary protects the tooth for a short time. To be able to achieve both long-term durability and a natural-looking look, the permanent is custom-built.