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.
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.
Crowns help preserve the tooth structure and improve oral health by preventing further deterioration or infection. You might need a crown if you have:
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.
Each type of material used has pros and cons.
| Material | Best For | Pros | Cons | Procedure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Porcelain |
All teeth, especially front tooth |
Natural appearance |
May chip off |
Same day |
|
Zirconia |
All teeth, especially back tooth |
Durable, esthetic |
Can be abrasive to opposing teeth |
Same day |
|
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) |
Back teeth, such as molars |
High strength |
Metal may show near gums |
1–2 visits |
|
Metal (e.g. gold) |
Back teeth, such as molars |
Long-lasting, minimal wear to opposing teeth |
Metallic look |
1–2 visits |
|
Resin |
Temporary crowns for all teeth |
Affordable |
Wears easily |
Immediate, short-term use only |
Typically, it takes a few weeks to complete the various steps of a standard dental crown treatment. Here’s what you can expect:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
|
|
Traditional Crowns | Same Day Crowns |
|---|---|---|
|
Appointments Required |
2 or more |
1 or 2 visits on the same day |
|
Temporary Crown Required? |
Yes |
No |
|
Entire Process Time |
At least 1–2 weeks |
A few hours |
|
Technology Used |
Conventional, manual |
Modern technology, CAD/CAM |
|
Materials Available |
Wide variety of materials |
Typically ceramic or zirconia crowns |
| 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.
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.
| Complication | What It Means | When to Contact Your Dentist |
|---|---|---|
|
Tooth Sensitivity |
Discomfort with hot/cold foods |
If it doesn’t improve after a few days |
|
Loose Crown |
Poor fit, trauma or cement failure |
Crown feels wobbly or comes off |
|
Decay Under Crown |
Poor oral hygiene |
Persistent bad breath or sensitivity |
|
Gum Irritation |
Allergic reaction to metal alloys or rough edges |
Swelling, redness, or discomfort |
|
Bite Problems |
Misalignment of crown |
Difficulty chewing or jaw pain |
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:
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?'
Crowns can rarely come loose due to cement failure or underlying tooth issues. If it happens, keep the crown and see your dentist immediately.
No. Crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments, so it’s best to whiten your teeth before getting a crown if needed.
Nope! Just brush and floss as you normally would. Interdental brushes or water flossers may help clean around crown edges more thoroughly.
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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