How Long Does It Take for a Dental Crown Procedure?

Dental crowns are very common and the procedure for one is relatively quick. A crown can be used to protect a tooth from damage or to enhance the appearance of the tooth.

At The First Appointment

Getting a dental crown usually requires two visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, your dentist will clean your tooth and remove any decay. They will measure your tooth so the crown can be made to fit your tooth perfectly. They may need to build up the core of the tooth or remove a portion of it to get the best fit for the crown. Once the tooth is reshaped, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth using paste, putty, or a digital scanner to create the crown.

Next, your dentist will give you a temporary crown which you will wear to protect the prepared tooth until your permanent crown is ready. The permanent crown will take approximately two weeks to make. In this waiting period, avoid eating sticky foods and chewing gum. This first appointment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Your dentist may have a special tool in their office to make crowns. If so, they can make your crown on the same day as the fitting, and you will only need one appointment.

At The Second Appointment

When your permanent crown is ready, you will go in for a second appointment to have it placed. Your dentist will check the fit and color of the crown first, and if everything looks and fits right, the crown will be secured in position using dental cement. This process will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

For more information about dental crowns, call or stop by Hale Family Dentistry.