How Long Does It Take To Put A Crown On The Tooth?

Welcome to Scripps West Dental’s guide on dental crowns! You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious about the crown placement process. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from what dental crowns are to how long the procedure takes. Let’s dive in!

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over your existing tooth. They’re designed to restore a damaged tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these.

When is Dental Crown Treatment Needed?

There are several situations where your dentist might recommend a dental crown:
● To protect a weak tooth from breaking
● To restore a broken or severely worn down tooth
● To cover and support a tooth with a large filling
● To hold a dental bridge in place
● To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
● To cover a dental implant
● To make a cosmetic modification

How Do Crowns Work?

Get Ready for a Dental Crown

Before the crown procedure begins, your dentist will examine your tooth and may take X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If there’s extensive decay or risk of infection, you might need a root canal first.

Next, your dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. The tooth receiving the crown is then filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown you’re getting.

Traditional, Lab-Fabricated Crowns:

Traditionally, the process of getting a dental crown involves two visits. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your tooth and takes impressions. During the second visit, the permanent crown is placed. Let’s break down each step:

Getting the Temporary Crown

After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will make an impression of the tooth receiving the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth getting the dental crown are also made to ensure that the crown won’t affect your bite.

The impressions are sent to a dental lab where your crown will be manufactured. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth.

Getting the Permanent Crown

You’ll come in for your second visit when your permanent crown is ready. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent one. If everything looks good, your tooth will be numbed, and the new crown will be permanently cemented in place.

Same-Day Crowns:

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology allows for the creation and placement of crowns in a single visit. At Scripps West Dental, we use advanced digital imaging and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology to design, mill, and fit a custom crown in just a few hours. This eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits, providing convenience and efficiency. CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that matches the natural color of your teeth, ensuring a seamless and esthetically pleasing result. This cutting-edge option is ideal for patients looking for a fast, accurate, and long-lasting solution to restore their smile.

How Will My Type of Crown Influence the Treatment?

The type of crown you choose can affect the treatment time:
1. Traditional crowns: These require two visits spread over 2-3 weeks.
2. Same-day crowns: Scripps West Dental has advanced technology equipment to make crowns in-house. This allows the entire process to be completed in about 2-4 hours.
3. Onlays or 3/4 crowns: These cover less of the underlying tooth and may require less tooth preparation.

The material of your crown can also influence the process:
● Porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-metal crowns are very durable and may require less tooth preparation.
● All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns provide the best natural color match but may require more of your tooth to be removed.

Consult Our Dentist in San Diego

Every patient’s dental needs are unique. The best way to determine how long your crown procedure will take is to consult with our experienced dentists at Scripps West Dental. We’ll examine your tooth, discuss your options, and provide a personalized treatment plan.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Don’t let a damaged tooth impact your smile and oral health. At Scripps West Dental in San Diego, CA, we’re committed to providing top-notch dental care in a friendly, comfortable environment. Our skilled team will guide you through the crown process, ensuring you understand each step and feel at ease throughout your treatment. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.