The Process of Getting a Dental Crown: What to Expect

Introduction

Got a cracked tooth or an old filling that’s barely hanging in there? If your dentist recommends a crown, take a breath. The whole process of getting a dental crown is a lot simpler than it sounds. At your first visit, they’ll check the tooth, grab a few X-rays, and walk you through the crown options so you can pick what actually fits your smile. Once you’re numb and comfortable, they clean things up, reshape the tooth, and take impressions before giving you a temporary crown to tide you over. By the end, the tooth feels stronger, looks better, and honestly… you forget it was ever a problem.

What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure?

Here is how it works in a nutshell. It requires two key appointments: the preparation of the tooth and impression taking, and the second is when the crown is fitted and permanently secured to the tooth.

First Visit: Preparation & Initial Steps

Your first appointment focuses on examining and preparing the tooth for the crown

• Examination and Diagnostics

Your dentist starts by reviewing your full dental and medical history—any health issues matter. They’ll take X-rays to assess the tooth’s roots and the surrounding bone. If there’s major damage or infection, treatments like a root canal may need to come first. Then you’ll talk about what material your crown will use: porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. The choice impacts how it looks and how long it lasts.

• Tooth Preparation

The dentist uses local anesthesia before placing the crown, so you will not experience any discomfort during the procedure. The broken or worn-away sections of the tooth are then removed. The tooth is then reconstructed to receive the crown. In cases where insufficient natural tooth structure remains, core build-up can be performed to stabilize the base.

• Impressions and Temporary Crown Placement

Once ready, an impression is made of the prepared tooth, the opposing teeth, and the bite, either in traditional molds or in digital scans. They are forwarded to a laboratory where a permanent dental crown will be manufactured. To protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made, a temporary crown is put over the tooth. You will be given instructions on how to care for it. You should avoid eating sticky/hard foods and take care when cleaning the area.

Second Visit: Final Placement

When your custom crown is ready, you return for the finishing steps.

• Trial Fitting of the Permanent Crown

With the temporary crown removed, the dentist will clean your tooth to ensure the perfect positioning of the dental crown. This includes a bite check, examination of margin discrepancies, and assessment of the new crown’s contour and shape, as well as its contact with neighboring and opposite teeth. Here, most of the adjustments are made to ensure proper comfort.

• Cementation / Final Placement

Once all the checks are complete, the crown is then applied using cement. The dentist cleans away excess cement and makes a final bite, then adjusts any minor changes. The outcome of this visit is that you should leave a fully functional tooth that will act in a similar way as a natural tooth.

What to Expect After a Dental Crown Procedure?

Shortly after cementation, you might have some mild gum or bite face sensitivity or discomfort. That’s normal. Any mild gum irritation usually subsides within a couple of days, but it is advisable to avoid hard and sticky foods during this time. Crowns can last for a minimum of 10 to 15 years, and even longer when of superior quality, with proper care, and when made of the appropriate material.

Maintaining Your Crown

Keeping your new crown in good shape is about prevention and mindfulness.

• Practice solid oral hygiene: brush at least twice a day, floss daily, especially around the crown margins to prevent plaque and decay.
• Avoid habits that could damage the crown: chewing ice, hard candy, using your teeth as tools, grinding/clenching without protection.
• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings: let the dentist monitor the crown’s integrity and your gums.
• Be aware of warning signs: sensitivity, discomfort when biting, a loose crown, visible damage or wear. Contact your dentist swiftly if you notice these.

With good care, the average crown lasts 10–15 years or more, depending on the material and your habits.

About Riverview Dental Arts

At Riverview Dental Arts, Dr. Espino and the team believe dental care should be personal, comfortable, and stress-free. We combine the latest technology with gentle, patient-focused techniques to make every visit easy and effective. Whether you’re looking for a smile makeover with custom veneers and crowns or routine cleanings and check-ups, everything is done with your comfort and goals in mind. 

Our on-site dental lab enables precise and faster results, while tools such as digital smile design, 3D scanning, and dental lasers ensure accuracy and minimal discomfort. The team’s mission is straightforward: to help you feel confident in your smile while prioritizing your oral health, all within a friendly and welcoming environment.

Conclusion

The process of getting a dental crown goes in two steps, designed to restore your tooth to its original strength and appearance. The process is important, with every stage being incorporated within the preparation and scanning, and finally concluded with proper placement and maintenance. When it comes to caring for a tooth, it is not just about curing it; it is also about safeguarding your smile and maintaining good oral health. From the moment you receive your crown, ensure that you maintain its health.

Contact Riverview Dental Arts today to schedule a dental appointment.

Our Special Offers

We’re offering limited-time savings on veneers, crowns, exams, and more, all designed to help you achieve a confident and healthy smile. Plus, whether you’re a new or existing patient, you’ll receive a FREE consultation to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Feel free to explore our special offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is a dental crown procedure?

The level of pain during the procedure is low because of the application of anesthesia. Some temporary sensitivity may occur, but severe pain should be treated.

How long does the process of getting crowns take?

Typically two visits, often 1–3 weeks apart, depending on the dental lab.

Do teeth go bad under crowns?

Yes, the crown covers the visible part of the tooth, but the underlying tooth and margin still need care. Decay or gum issues can develop if you neglect hygiene.

Can I go to work after getting a crown?

Yes. You can. In fact, most people return to work the same day after the crown placement. Just make sure you wait until the numbness wears off. Avoid hard or hot foods for a while, too. 

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