How Is a Crown Put on a Tooth? Visit-by-Visit Guide

How is a crown put on a tooth? Usually over two visits: the dentist numbs and reshapes the tooth, takes an impression or scan, and fits a temporary crown. Weeks later the permanent crown is checked and cemented. Some offices can make one the same day.

This is a practical, chair-side walkthrough for US patients who have a crown appointment booked and want to know what will happen, how long it takes, and how to look after the temporary in between. For background on what a crown does for a tooth, see our companion explainer on how crowns work.

Visit one: what happens during preparation?

MedlinePlus and Cleveland Clinic describe the first appointment in these steps:

1. Numbing. MedlinePlus says the dentist numbs the tooth and the neighboring teeth and gums so you do not feel anything. Cleveland Clinic adds that more anesthetic can be given if you feel pain.
2. Cleaning out the tooth. Old or failing fillings and any decay are removed.
3. Reshaping. A small amount of enamel is removed so the crown can fit over the whole tooth. Cleveland Clinic notes that if too little tooth remains, the dentist may build it up with filling material first.
4. Impression or scan. A physical impression or digital scan is taken and sent to a dental lab. MedlinePlus notes the impression is sometimes taken at the second visit instead.
5. Temporary crown. A temporary crown, usually resin or acrylic according to Cleveland Clinic, is fitted to protect the tooth.

What happens between visits?

Cleveland Clinic says the lab typically takes two to three weeks or longer to make the permanent crown. During that time, the temporary needs some care so it stays on. MedlinePlus suggests:

• Slide floss out from between teeth rather than lifting it up, which can pull the temporary off.
• Avoid sticky foods.
• Chew on the other side of your mouth.

Call your dentist if the temporary comes off, your bite feels wrong, swelling gets worse, or over-the-counter pain medicine does not control tooth pain (MedlinePlus).

Visit two: how is the permanent crown fitted?

1. The temporary crown is removed.
2. The dentist checks the new crown's shape, color and fit (Cleveland Clinic).
3. An x-ray may be taken to confirm the fit (MedlinePlus).
4. The crown is bonded in place with dental cement.
5. Tell your dentist before you leave if your bite feels off, since MedlinePlus lists a bite that feels wrong as a reason to call.

Can a crown be put on in one day?

Sometimes. Cleveland Clinic explains that with CAD/CAM technology, digital impressions are used to design a crown that a machine in the office mills from a ceramic block, so the whole process can be finished in one visit. It also notes that not everyone is a candidate. MedlinePlus likewise mentions that some dentists can digitally scan the tooth and make the crown in their office.

	Traditional crown	Same-day (CAD/CAM) crown
Visits	Two	One
Impression	Physical or digital, sent to a lab	Digital scan, milled in the office
Temporary crown	Yes, for the lab period	Not needed
Materials	Wide range, including metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal	Ceramic block

What should you expect after the crown is cemented?

Cleveland Clinic says most people resume normal activities right away, sensitivity to heat and cold is normal for a couple of weeks, and gum soreness usually fades within a few days. MedlinePlus notes that if the tooth still has its nerve, some temperature sensitivity is possible, and that the tooth under the crown can still get a cavity, so brush twice a day and floss once a day.

Cleveland Clinic suggests avoiding ice, very hard nuts, popcorn kernels and sticky candy, and asking about a custom night guard if you grind or clench.

Questions to ask before your crown appointment

• Will this be a two-visit crown or a same-day crown?
• Which material do you recommend for this tooth, and why?
• Will I need a buildup or a root canal first?
• What will my insurance pay, and can you send a pre-treatment estimate? Medicare.gov notes Original Medicare does not cover most dental services.

To compare common crown types before you decide, read dental crown types.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, Dental crowns
• Cleveland Clinic, Dental Crowns
• Medicare.gov, Dental services coverage

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.