If your tooth is cracked, worn down, or weakened by decay, your dentist may recommend a dental crown, a durable “cap” that restores the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most common and effective restorative dental treatments available today, but many patients wonder what actually happens during the procedure.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how dentists prepare teeth for dental crowns, so you’ll know exactly what to expect during your visit.
Step 1: Initial Examination and Consultation
Before any work begins, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your tooth using X-rays or digital imaging. This helps determine whether a crown is the best solution or if additional treatments, like a root canal, are needed first.
Your dentist will also check the surrounding teeth and gums to ensure they’re healthy enough to support a crown. Once the plan is confirmed, they’ll explain your options — including materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia — and what best suits your needs in terms of durability and appearance.
Step 2: Numbing and Tooth Preparation
To ensure a comfortable experience, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic. Once you’re comfortable, the tooth preparation process begins.
Using precise dental instruments, your dentist carefully shapes and files down the outer surface of the tooth to make room for the crown. The amount of reduction depends on the crown material being used — porcelain and ceramic crowns usually require a bit more space than metal crowns.
If the tooth is severely decayed or damaged, your dentist may need to build it up with filling material to create a stable foundation for the crown. The goal is to achieve the right shape and structure for a secure, natural-looking fit.
Step 3: Taking an Impression or Digital Scan
Once your tooth has been reshaped, your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth and the surrounding area.
Traditional impressions use a soft putty-like material placed over the teeth, while modern offices often use digital scanners that create a 3D model of your mouth in seconds. This detailed image ensures that your crown will fit perfectly and align comfortably with your bite.
Your dentist will then place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being custom-made at a dental lab, a process that usually takes one to two weeks.
Step 4: Fitting the Permanent Crown
At your follow-up appointment, your dentist removes the temporary crown and tries in the permanent one. They’ll check the fit, color, and bite to ensure everything feels right and looks natural. Once you’re both satisfied, the crown is cemented securely in place using a strong dental adhesive.
After a few final adjustments, your tooth will look, feel, and function just like new.
Step 5: Aftercare and Longevity
Dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. To keep your crown in great condition:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Getting a dental crown is a routine, comfortable procedure that can restore your tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. With expert preparation and modern technology, your dentist can craft a crown that blends seamlessly with your natural smile — helping you chew, speak, and smile with confidence again.
About the Author
Dr. Sheren Elsaid earned her dental degree from Temple University and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the NYU Langone Dental Medicine Program. She continues to take continuing education courses to advance her skills and provide her patients with the best care possible. She also stays current through memberships in the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you need to save a tooth with a dental crown, we’d be happy to work with you! Schedule an appointment online or call (973) 370-5221.