A tooth crown is a custom-fitted “cap” that dentists place over a damaged tooth. Its primary purpose is to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. Crowns can protect a weak tooth from breaking, hold together parts of a cracked tooth, or restore a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down. They are also used to cover teeth after a root canal, hold a dental bridge in place, or cover a dental implant. The timeline for receiving a tooth crown can vary significantly, depending on the type of crown chosen and individual dental needs.
The Traditional Crown Process
The traditional method for obtaining a dental crown typically involves at least two separate appointments. During the initial visit, the tooth requiring the crown is prepared by the dentist. This involves numbing the area, removing any decay, and reshaping the tooth to ensure the crown will fit properly over it. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure, a filling material may be added to build a stable foundation.
After preparation, impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions, physical or digital, are sent to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication of the permanent crown. While the permanent crown is being made, which can take approximately one to three weeks, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain proper spacing.
The second appointment occurs once the permanent crown is ready from the lab. The temporary crown is removed, and the new custom crown is carefully fitted, checked for proper shape, color, and bite alignment. Once the fit is confirmed, the permanent crown is bonded securely to the tooth using a strong dental cement. This final placement usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
The Same-Day Crown Process
A modern alternative to traditional crowns is the same-day crown, often made possible by CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) technology. This innovative process allows for the design, milling, and placement of a crown in a single dental visit. The entire procedure, from tooth preparation to final placement, can be completed within two to four hours.
The process begins with the dentist preparing the tooth, similar to the traditional method, by removing decay and shaping it. Instead of traditional impressions, a digital scan of the tooth is taken using an intraoral scanner, creating a precise 3D image. This digital impression is then used with CAD software to design the custom crown directly in the dental office.
Once the design is complete, the digital file is sent to an on-site milling machine. This machine carves the new crown from a solid block of ceramic material, taking around 15 minutes to craft. After milling, the crown is polished and, if needed, stained to match the patient’s natural teeth. The dentist then bonds the newly fabricated crown directly onto the prepared tooth in the same appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary crown or a second visit.
Factors Influencing the Crown Timeline
Several factors can influence the overall timeline for receiving a dental crown, regardless of whether a traditional or same-day approach is used. The initial condition of the tooth plays an important role. If the tooth has extensive decay, damage, or requires additional procedures like a root canal or gum treatment (e.g., addressing gum disease), these steps must be completed before crown placement, extending the timeline.
The complexity of the individual case, such as the tooth’s unique shape or extensive preparation needs, can also affect the duration of the appointment. The material chosen for a traditional crown also influences the dental lab’s fabrication time. Unforeseen complications, such as needing re-impressions if initial ones are not precise, can also add time.
Scheduling availability at the dental office can also impact how quickly appointments can be made and completed. Patient cooperation and adherence to post-procedure instructions, especially concerning temporary crowns, are also important for a smooth and timely process.