The Dental Crown Procedure, Step by Step: From Tooth Prep to Final Fit
A cracked molar or a tooth weakened by a large filling can make everyday chewing feel uncertain. If a dentist has recommended dental crowns in Boynton Beach, knowing what happens at each stage can make the appointment feel far more manageable.
Custom dental crowns cover a damaged tooth to protect it and restore its function. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process, from the first prep to the final fit.
What Happens During the Dental Crown Procedure
Step One: Preparing the Tooth
Treatment starts with a cleaning and a look at the affected tooth. The dentist then numbs the area with local anesthesia, so you feel pressure rather than pain. Patients who feel anxious about dental work can ask about sedation dentistry options for extra comfort.
Next, the dentist removes any decay and reshapes the tooth by trimming a thin layer of enamel. This step creates room for the crown so it sits naturally alongside neighboring teeth.
Step Two: Taking Impressions and Placing a Temporary Crown
Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist records its size and contours using one of two methods:
- Traditional putty impressions
- A 3D intraoral scanner that creates a digital model without messy materials
The impressions go to a dental lab, where technicians craft a crown to match your bite and the color of nearby teeth. Because a crown from a dental lab usually takes two to three weeks, you’ll leave with a temporary crown that shields the tooth in the meantime. Avoiding sticky foods helps keep it secure.
Step Three: Fitting and Bonding the Final Crown
At the follow-up visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the permanent one for fit, bite, and color. After any small adjustments, they bond it in place with a strong dental adhesive.
The finished crown covers the tooth to restore its shape and size while strengthening it for daily chewing.
Same-Day Crowns: A Faster Alternative
Some practices use CEREC® technology to design and create a crown in less than an hour. This approach completes treatment in a single visit and skips the temporary crown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
Local anesthesia keeps the tooth numb during preparation, so most patients feel only mild pressure. Some gum tenderness afterward is normal and typically fades within a few days.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A properly made crown can last up to 15 years with good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and avoiding habits like chewing ice all help extend its life.
Will I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Often, yes. Root canal therapy removes infected pulp, which can leave a tooth more fragile, so a crown commonly follows to protect it. Not sure whether a tooth needs extra support? These signs that a tooth needs a crown can help.
Ask Us Questions About Dental Crowns in Boynton Beach
Understanding each stage of the crown process takes much of the guesswork out of treatment. At Aberdeen Dentistry, our team offers both lab-made and same-day CEREC® crowns tailored to each patient. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
