Visit 1: Preparation and impression
The first appointment runs about 60 to 90 minutes. After numbing, the dentist reshapes the tooth, removing decay and contouring it to make room for the crown. The reduction is typically 1.5 to 2 mm of enamel and a bit more if there's existing decay.
Next we take a digital impression (or traditional putty impression for some cases) and send it to the lab that fabricates your permanent crown. Before you leave, a temporary crown is bonded onto the tooth with soft cement so you can eat and smile normally.
Living with a temporary crown
Temporaries are designed to last about two weeks. To keep yours intact:
- Avoid sticky foods (caramel, gummy candy, chewing gum)
- Be gentle with hard foods (raw carrots, nuts, ice)
- Floss carefully, pull the floss out sideways rather than up
- Chew on the opposite side when you can
- Brush normally, the temporary cement is water-resistant
Visit 2: Permanent crown delivery
About two weeks later, you return for the permanent crown. This appointment runs 30 to 45 minutes. We remove the temporary, clean the tooth, and try in the new crown. We check the fit, color match, contact points with neighboring teeth, and your bite.
When everything looks right, we bond the crown into place with permanent dental cement. The bond cures in minutes. After a quick polish and bite-check, you walk out with a finished tooth.
Material options
Crowns come in several materials, each with strengths:
- All-ceramic (lithium disilicate), best for front teeth, beautiful translucency
- Zirconia, strongest material, ideal for molars and grinders
- Layered porcelain-on-zirconia, combines aesthetics with strength
- Gold (rare today), for very specific clinical cases
How long until it feels normal
Most patients adjust to a new crown within a few days. Mild sensitivity to cold for a week or two is common. If something feels 'high' when you bite down after the numbness wears off, call us, a quick bite adjustment is a five-minute visit that prevents soreness or fracture.
With good care, modern crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer. Many of our patients have crowns still going strong two decades after placement.
Common questions on crown appointment day
Patients almost always ask the same handful of questions when they sit down for crown prep. Quick answers to the most frequent ones:
- Will I be numb the whole time? Yes, we re-numb if needed; you shouldn't feel anything sharp
- How long does the appointment take? About 75 to 90 minutes for the prep visit
- Can I eat normally with the temporary? Yes, but avoid sticky candy and very hard foods like nuts or ice
- What if the temporary falls off? Save it, call us, we'll re-cement it the same day in most cases
- How is the permanent crown shaded to match? We match it to your neighboring teeth using shade tabs and natural light
Questions about your specific case?
Every patient's mouth is different. The article above covers the general principles, for a personalized recommendation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sidhu.