What Is a Dental Crown? Procedure, Types, and What to Expect
What a dental crown actually is
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gumline up. It restores the tooth's original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Unlike a filling that fills a cavity from the inside, a crown encases the outside of the tooth entirely, protecting it from further damage and allowing you to chew normally.
Dentists recommend crowns when a tooth is too damaged for a filling to hold reliably. The most common reasons include large decay, a cracked tooth, a tooth weakened after a root canal, a broken cusp, or severe wear from grinding. Crowns are also used to anchor a dental bridge and to cover dental implants.
Step-by-step: the dental crown procedure
A traditional crown typically requires two visits, though same-day CEREC technology now allows some dentists to complete the process in one appointment.
- Visit 1, examination and preparation. Your dentist takes X-rays to assess the tooth root and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or infection, a root canal may be done before the crown. The dentist then numbs the area with local anesthetic and reshapes the tooth by removing a layer of enamel on all sides to make room for the crown.
- Impression taking. Your dentist either takes a physical putty impression or a digital scan of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This goes to a dental lab where your permanent crown is fabricated, usually over 1 to 2 weeks.
- Temporary crown. While you wait, the dentist places a temporary crown to protect the exposed tooth. Temporaries are made of acrylic and are not as strong as permanent crowns, so avoid sticky or hard foods during this period.
- Visit 2, permanent crown placement. The temporary crown is removed, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, and then cemented into place with dental adhesive. Final adjustments are made so your bite feels natural.
Same-day crowns (CEREC)
Some dental offices equipped with CEREC (Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics) technology can mill a ceramic crown in the office while you wait. This eliminates the need for a temporary crown and second visit. Same-day crowns are made of zirconia or high-strength ceramic and typically cost $1,200 to $1,800. The technology is not available everywhere and may not be appropriate for all tooth positions. Use our dental crown cost calculator to compare same-day versus traditional crown costs in your situation.
Types of crowns
| Type | Material | Best use case |
|---|---|---|
| All-ceramic | Porcelain or lithium disilicate | Front teeth, cosmetic priority |
| Zirconia | Zirconia ceramic | Any tooth, strength and cosmetics combined |
| PFM | Metal core, porcelain exterior | Back teeth, cost-conscious patients |
| Gold or metal | Gold alloy or base metal | Molars needing maximum durability |
| Same-day CEREC | Zirconia or ceramic, milled in office | Patients wanting one-visit convenience |
What to expect after crown placement
Mild sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal for a few days after your permanent crown is placed. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. Avoid very hard or very sticky foods for the first 24 hours while the cement fully sets. If your bite feels uneven or you experience significant pain when chewing after the first few days, contact your dentist for an adjustment. The crown should feel completely natural within 1 to 2 weeks.
Talk to your licensed dentist about any specific concerns. The information here is general in nature and your individual procedure may differ based on your dental health history.
Frequently asked questions
Is getting a dental crown painful? The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during preparation or placement. Some sensitivity in the days following placement is normal. Most patients find the procedure manageable and comparable to getting a large filling.
How long does the crown procedure take? The first visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The second visit for permanent crown placement is usually 30 to 60 minutes. Same-day CEREC appointments typically run 2 to 3 hours total.
Do I need a root canal before a crown? Not always. A root canal is only necessary if the tooth pulp is infected or dying. Many crowns are placed on teeth with healthy pulp that are simply too damaged for a filling. Your dentist will determine this based on examination and X-rays.
Bottom line
A dental crown is a well-established restorative procedure that protects damaged teeth and restores normal function. The two-visit process is routine and comfortable for most patients. Use our dental crown cost calculator to estimate your cost by material and insurance coverage, and consult a licensed dentist to determine whether a crown is the right treatment for your specific tooth.
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