What Happens During the Dental Crown Procedure?

May 27, 2025

Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for repairing and protecting damaged teeth. They can restore the shape, functionality, and appearance of teeth, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile.

But what exactly happens during a dental crown procedure? Knowing the steps in this process can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure patients are well-prepared for their dental visit.

Initial Consultation and Examination

The dental crown procedure typically begins with an initial consultation. During this visit, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums and may take X-rays to evaluate the extent of tooth decay or damage and assess whether a crown is the right treatment for you.

At this stage, your dentist will discuss different types of crown materials—porcelain is the most common, but there’s also metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal—and help you choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences [1].

Tooth Preparation

Once you and your dentist have decided that a crown is necessary, the next step involves preparing the affected tooth. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area and ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

Your dentist will then carefully file down the tooth to make space for the crown. The amount trimmed depends on the type of crown and its material. If a significant portion of the tooth is missing, a filling material may be used to build up the tooth structure to support the crown.

Taking an Impression of the Tooth

After the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take impressions of both the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions can be made using a traditional putty-like material or digital scanning technology. These molds are crucial as they ensure the crown fits accurately and matches your bite and surrounding teeth for a fully restored and uniform smile [2].

Fitting a Temporary Crown

While waiting for the permanent crown to be made, your dentist will fit a temporary crown over your prepared tooth. This temporary crown protects the tooth and maintains aesthetics until the permanent one is ready. It’s important to be cautious with the temporary crown, avoiding sticky and hard foods, as it is not as durable as the final crown.

Placing the Permanent Crown

Once your dentist has your permanent crown ready, usually within two to three weeks, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the fitting. During this appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the dentist places the permanent crown over the prepared tooth.

Your dentist will check the fit and color of the crown to ensure it matches seamlessly with your natural teeth. Minor adjustments may be made for comfort. When everything is satisfactory, the crown is permanently cemented in place [3].

Post-Procedure Care and Considerations

Proper oral hygiene is essential to ensure the longevity of the crown. You can keep your crown in excellent condition by:

Brushing your teeth twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste
Flossing daily, paying special attention to the area around the crown
Avoiding biting down on hard objects, like ice or nutshells, that could damage the crown
Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings

By following these practices, you can extend the life of your dental crown and maintain overall oral health.

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Considering a dental crown and wondering what the procedure will be like for your smile? Contact your dentist today to schedule a consultation and discuss the benefits of dental crowns in enhancing your oral health and smile!