Tooth Crown Procedure Demystified

A tooth that is weak, decayed, or damaged can have its strength, function, and aesthetics restored with a dental crown. Understanding the various crown types and the steps involved in a dental crown procedure can help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan and provide answers to common questions. Explore the entire process from diagnosis to crown placement with the help of this guide and know what to expect at each appointment.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a prepared tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and aesthetics. It is often recommended after a root canal, on fractured teeth, or to shield weakened teeth from further trauma. Crowns can also be used to fix misshapen teeth or complete a dental implant. It acts as a protective shield for your tooth that covers and seals the visible part of the tooth above the gum line.

When is a crown required?

Crowns help preserve the tooth structure and improve oral health by preventing further deterioration or infection. You might need a crown if you have:

• A decayed tooth that is too damaged for a regular dental filling
• A cracked or broken tooth
• A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
• Worn or damaged teeth from erosion, chewing hard foods or grinding teeth at night
• As part of a dental implant unit, a crown forms the visible top portion of the implant
• Cosmetic dentistry goals, like covering discolored teeth
• To anchor a dental bridge: Crowns are used to hold the bridge in place.
• For children: Stainless steel crowns are sometimes used on baby teeth with extensive decay or after pulpotomy treatment.

What are the types of crowns?

There are several types of crowns, each made from a variety of materials. Your dentist will recommend a type of crown based on the extent of tooth structure, location of the tooth, and your aesthetic goals.

Common crown materials:

• Porcelain crowns: Great for front teeth due to their natural appearance
• Metal crowns: Durable and ideal for posterior teeth, though they have a metallic appearance
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: Combine strength and better color matching
• Resin crowns: More affordable but wear down more easily
• Zirconia crowns: Highly durable and increasingly popular for their blend of strength and esthetics
• Gold crowns: Known for longevity and minimal wear to adjacent teeth

Each type of material used has pros and cons.

What are the steps in traditional dental crown procedure ?

Typically, it takes a few weeks to complete the various steps of a standard dental crown treatment. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial appointment and tooth preparation

The dentist will examine your natural tooth and may take physical impressions to plan your treatment. If the tooth is severely damaged or infected, root canal treatment may be needed first.

The prepared tooth is then reshaped, removing decay and trimming it to fit the crown. If needed, filling material is added to support the crown fitting properly.

2. Temporary crown placement

A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is made. Temporary crowns are crucial for protecting the prepared tooth and maintaining your oral function. Avoid sticky foods and maintain proper care during this period.

3. Crown fabrication

In traditional dental offices, the crown production process can take 1–2 weeks. A lab uses your digital impression or 3D model to create a custom crown out of a ceramic block, metal, or porcelain-based materials.

4. Permanent crown placement

During your follow-up appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented in place. The dentist ensures a proper bite and checks for comfort and fit. If needed, minor adjustments are made for a predictable outcome and optimal comfort.

How are crowns made at Dental Designs clinic?

At Dental Designs clinic, thanks to our in-house lab and fully digital work flow, we are able to provide you the option of same day crowns! With computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), same-day crowns (or next-day dental crowns) can be created in a single day using an in-office milling machine. 

We provide metal free dental crowns made of ceramic and dental crown zirconia. We use dental crown material from Europe that are time tested to be durable while closely resembling a natural tooth.

How long do same day tooth crown procedures take?

Here's what you can expect at our clinic:

In most situations, we can provide same-day or next-day crowns. Typically, this involves two sessions on the same day: a morning session for consultation, tooth preparation and digital impressions followed by a break during which you can do activities like take a walk or lunch, and then you can come back to the clinic for an afternoon session during which your crown will be fitted. This approach helps save both time and money, as there is no need for a temporary crown step.

However, for cases involving multiple teeth or more complex situations, we may need to arrange an additional visit on another day, as the fabrication process will require more time. We have the option of 3D printed resin crowns that can be a quick and aesthetic placeholder in the interim.

What are the steps for same day crown placement?

1. Consultation

We capture detailed photos and videos, along with digital 3D scans of your teeth. This method enables us to carefully examine the distinct shape and profile of your smile from various angles.

2. Tooth preparation

The tooth decay is removed and restored with a filling if required. The tooth is then shaped to aptly accommodate the crown. An intra-oral CEREC scanner is used to take a digital impression of the mouth which will then be sent to the lab.

3. Designing with CAD or Computer-aided designing

A specialised software enables the fabrication of the crown virtually where it can be adjusted for shape, size and bite alignment to ensure an optimal fit. The completed design is then communicated to the milling machine to make the crown.

4. Fabricating with CAM or computer-aided printing

At our in-house lab, each crown is carved from a ceramic or zirconia block after which our experienced dental technicians hand finish the crowns by adding final touches with glazes to create a realistic look. 

5. Crown cementation

At the second session, you will be back at the dentist's chair for this step. The crown fitting is checked and final adjustments are made before it is permanently cemented onto your tooth.

6. Review check

What are the types of fabrication techniques employed at Dental Designs clinic?

1. Milled technique: Carved from a solid ceramic or composite block using a milling machine at our in-house lab.

2. Pressed technique: Robust ceramic material is shaped into a mold. Pressed crowns can be crafted in thinner sections, ensuring a precise fit. The fabrication of pressed crowns takes a longer duration.

3. Layered technique: Multi-layered translucency is the goal and is hand-sculpted for life-like aesthetics by our skilled technicians. This technique is well-suited for front teeth that shape your smile and a longer time is needed to complete these kind of crowns.

Related articles

• Same Day Crowns VS Porcelain Fused To Metal Crown
• Everything You to Know About Dental Crowns & Porcelain Crowns Price

Traditional vs. Same day crown

How do same day crowns differ from dental implants and fillings?

• Dental crowns cover a natural tooth and restore it after dental procedures like root canals.
• Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the tooth roots.
• Dental fillings are used when the decay is minimal, and the tooth retains most of its original structure.                                                                                                                                           
  
  

  Treatment	What It Does	When to Choose
  Crown	Covers the entire tooth	After root canal, heavy decay, breakage
  Filling	Fills small cavities	When damage is minor
  Onlay/Inlay	Partial coverage	When only part of the tooth is damaged
  Veneer	Covers the front surface	For cosmetic enhancement of front teeth
  Implant	Replaces missing tooth & root	When tooth is extracted or missing

Choosing the right treatment depends on the extent of damage, dental health, and your long-term goals.

Are there any risks or downsides to getting a crown?

While dental crowns are generally safe and effective, there are some potential risks and drawbacks to consider. Discussing these risks with your dentist helps ensure the crown is the right solution for your situation, and that proper care is taken during and after the procedure.

How can I care for my crown after crown placement?

You may feel tooth pain, sensitivity to cold foods, or slight discomfort as you adjust. Over-the-counter counter pain relievers can help. To keep your crown in top shape, follow these tips:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits
• Avoid chewy foods and acidic foods
• Keep up with regular dental check-ups
• Wear a nightguard if you grind teeth at night

How long do dental crowns last?

Whether you choose a porcelain crown, gold crown, or opt for same day crowns, the success of your dental crown procedure depends on good oral hygiene, routine check-ups, and avoiding potential risks like grinding or chewing hard or sticky foods.

With today’s modern dentistry, getting a durable, natural-looking restoration has never been easier. If you’re considering a dental crown appointment, talk to your dental professional about the best type of crown for your needs and how to ensure long-lasting results.

Your dentist will check the crown at every checkup and cleaning. Here's a video on 'How long do crowns last?'

FAQs about dental crowns

a) Can a crown fall off?

Crowns can rarely come loose due to cement failure or underlying tooth issues. If it happens, keep the crown and see your dentist immediately.

b) Can you whiten a crown?

No. Crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments, so it’s best to whiten your teeth before getting a crown if needed.

c) Do I need special tools to clean my crown?

Nope! Just brush and floss as you normally would. Interdental brushes or water flossers may help clean around crown edges more thoroughly.

Conclusion

A dental crown is a strong, reliable solution to restore damaged or decayed teeth. It protects your tooth, improves your bite, and enhances your smile. While the process involves a few steps, it’s straightforward, relatively painless, and effective. This can be made much more simpler with same day crowns.

If you think you might need a crown or have questions about which type is right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to save your natural tooth and avoid more complex treatments later on.

Ready to book an appointment with us for a same day crown? Simply leave us a message here and we will be happy to help you!

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