If you’re reading this, you probably have a crown coming up and want to know how much time to set aside, or whether you’ll need to take a day off work. That’s a smart question to ask ahead of time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how long it takes to get a crown, what happens at each appointment, how long a temporary crown lasts and what can make the process take longer.
Why You Might Need a Crown
A crown is a custom, tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. Dentists often recommend one to strengthen a weak or cracked tooth, restore a tooth that’s broken or worn down, protect a tooth after a root canal or replace a large filling that no longer has enough healthy tooth around it.
Dental crowns are one of several restorative dentistry treatments used to repair damaged teeth and restore their strength and function.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Crown?
For most patients, getting a crown on a tooth takes two visits, with a waiting period in between while a dental lab makes the final crown.
| Stage | What happens | Typical time |
| First appointment | Exam, numbing, shaping the tooth, impressions or scans and temporary crown | About 60 to 90 minutes |
| Waiting period | A dental lab makes your permanent crown while you wear a temporary one | Typically 2 to 3 weeks |
| Second appointment | Temporary crown removed, permanent crown checked, adjusted and bonded | Usually shorter than the first visit |
| Total | From first visit to final crown | About 2 to 3 weeks |
Keep in mind that these are general ranges. Your exact timeline depends on the condition of your tooth and your treatment plan, and your dentist can give you a more specific estimate after examining it.
How Long Does the First Crown Appointment Take?
The first crown appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and it’s where most of the work of putting a crown on a tooth happens. This is usually the longer of the two visits, because your dentist needs to prepare the tooth and gather the information needed to make a crown that fits properly.
Here’s what happens during the appointment.
1. Exam and X-Rays
Your dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to assess its condition, check for decay and evaluate the surrounding structures.
If the tooth needs additional treatment before receiving a crown, your dentist will explain the next steps. For example, a tooth with deep decay or an infected pulp may need a root canal first.
2. Numbing the Tooth
Before preparing the tooth, your dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area. You may feel pressure or movement during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain.
The anesthesia usually takes a few minutes to become effective.
3. Removing Decay and Shaping the Tooth
Next, your dentist removes any decay or weakened material and reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown.
If a large portion of the tooth is missing, a core buildup may be needed to create enough structure to support the restoration. This can add time to the appointment.
The amount of preparation depends on the tooth’s condition and the type of crown being used.
4. Taking Digital Scans or Impressions
Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist takes an impression or digital scan to capture its shape and position relative to the surrounding teeth.
Woodbridge Comfort Dental Care uses advanced dental technology, including iTero digital scanning. Depending on the treatment, your dentist may use digital scans or conventional impressions to get the measurements needed for your restoration.
These records help the dental lab create a crown that fits your tooth and works with your bite.
5. Placing a Temporary Crown
Before you leave, your dentist typically places a temporary crown over the prepared tooth.
This temporary restoration protects the tooth, helps maintain its position and allows you to eat and speak while the permanent crown is being made. Your dentist will also explain how to care for it until your next visit.
The Waiting Period: How Long Does a Temporary Crown Last?
According to Cleveland Clinic, a dental lab usually needs two to three weeks, sometimes longer, to make a permanent crown. Your temporary crown is designed to protect your tooth during this time, and it should last until your second appointment.
Temporary crowns aren’t as strong as permanent ones, so a little extra care goes a long way:
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel and taffy, which can pull the temporary crown loose.
- Avoid hard foods like ice, hard nuts and popcorn kernels.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth when you can.
- When flossing, slide the floss out from the side instead of pulling it up, so you don’t lift the temporary crown.
If your temporary crown comes off, breaks or feels loose, call your dentist rather than waiting for your next appointment. Without the temporary crown, the prepared tooth may become sensitive, and surrounding teeth can shift slightly, potentially affecting how the permanent crown fits.
How Long Does the Second Crown Appointment Take?
The second crown appointment is usually shorter than the first, since your tooth has already been prepared. During this visit, when your permanent crown is put on, your dentist will:
- Remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth.
- Check the shape, color and fit of your permanent crown.
- Make any small adjustments so your bite feels natural.
- Bond the crown in place with dental cement.
Your dentist may numb the area again to keep you comfortable, especially if the tooth is sensitive.
What Can Make the Crown Process Take Longer?
Two to three weeks is a typical timeline, but some situations can add time to the process:
- A root canal first. If the tooth’s pulp is infected or inflamed, it needs treatment before the crown. If you need a root canal before getting a crown, understanding how long a root canal takes can help you plan your overall treatment timeline.
- A badly damaged tooth. A tooth with a large break or extensive decay may need extra work to build up its structure before it can hold a crown.
- Gum treatment. If there’s gum disease around the tooth, your dentist may recommend treating it first so the crown has a healthy foundation.
- More than one tooth. Getting several crowns at once, or crowns as part of a bridge, can mean longer appointments.
- Lab timing. The material used and the lab’s schedule can affect how long it takes for your crown to be ready.
How Long Does a Crown Take to Heal?
Most people can go back to work, school and their usual routine right after getting a crown. It’s normal for your gums around the tooth to feel a little sore or tender for a few days. Cleveland Clinic also notes that some sensitivity to heat and cold can last for a couple of weeks.
Contact your dentist if your bite feels uneven or the crown seems too high, rather than waiting several days. You should also call if pain worsens, swelling develops or the crown feels loose.
Tips to Make Your Crown Appointments Easier
- Plan around the first visit. Since it’s the longest appointment, schedule it at a time when you won’t feel rushed.
- Ask about eating before your appointment. If you’re receiving local anesthesia only, eating beforehand may be fine. However, if you’re having sedation, you’ll need to follow your dentist’s specific instructions about food and drinks.
- Ask about comfort options. If dental visits make you anxious, ask about sedation dentistry in Woodbridge, VA to help you feel more relaxed during treatment.
- Ask about costs early. Ask for a cost estimate and how your insurance applies before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
Getting a Dental Crown at Woodbridge Comfort Dental Care
At Woodbridge Comfort Dental Care, getting a crown typically involves two visits. Dr. Lotfi will examine your tooth, explain your options and let you know what to expect at each step. We offer gold, porcelain and zirconia crowns, sedation options for anxious patients, and we’re in-network with most PPO insurance plans.
If you need dental crowns in Woodbridge, VA, call us at (703) 580-8181 or book an appointment online.