Dental crowns are at the heart of a meticulous process designed to restore both the shape and function of a compromised tooth. Patients considering this dental intervention often seek to understand how long it takes to obtain a dental crown.
In this article, we will detail each step of the dental crown placement process to give you a clearer idea of the time required for this procedure.
A dental crown: What is it?
Dental crowns are custom-designed restorations, shaped like a tooth, that envelop and cover damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised teeth. Made from various materials such as ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination thereof, dental crowns serve a dual purpose in restorative dentistry, restoring both function and appearance.
What are the reasons you may need a dental crown
The primary reason for placing dental crowns is extensive decay, a condition that often compromises the tooth’s prognosis. Crowns act as true shields, preventing tooth loss by reinforcing decayed and weakened teeth while preserving the tooth’s vital root.
Beyond decay, dental crowns play a versatile role in addressing a range of dental issues, including aesthetic concerns. Whether for fractures, chips, or cracks, crowns restore compromised teeth, providing both structural reinforcement and improved appearance. Discolored teeth are also remedied with crowns, enhancing the overall look of your smile.
Finally, dental crowns are essential following root canal treatment—necessary when decay or infection reaches the tooth’s pulp. In such cases, crowns provide critical support, strengthening the treated tooth and preserving its function.
What are the steps of placing a dental crown
Initial Consultation:
The first step involves a consultation and thorough examination of the oral cavity, during which the dentist assesses the condition of the tooth. This stage is essential for establishing good communication between patient and dentist, discussing treatment options, and determining the viability of a dental crown.
Tooth Preparation and Impressions:
Once the decision is made to proceed with a crown, the tooth is prepared to receive it. This part of the process may require one or two appointments and consists of two stages:
- The preparation stage involves removing enough enamel to accommodate the crown, and it depends on the practitioner.
- The impression stage depends on the technique used. If the dental office is equipped with a digital scanner, taking the impression takes only a few minutes. Digital impressions provide rapid, precise results that enhance the quality of the final prosthesis.
Placement of the Temporary Crown:
As part of the smile enhancement process, placing a temporary crown between appointments is often highlighted. This temporary solution protects the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Patients benefit from the continuous use of a tooth-like structure during this interim period.
This step is usually anticipated, and the temporary crown is delivered on the same day as the preparation.
Fabrication Period:
Fabricating the dental crown is a meticulous process carried out in a dental laboratory. This phase generally spans one to two weeks. The use of advanced technologies and in-house lab capabilities (in clinics with their own laboratories) can accelerate this step, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality.
Placement of the Permanent Crown:
The culmination of the crown journey is placing the custom-fabricated permanent crown. This final appointment is crucial, as the dentist ensures a precise fit, optimal occlusion, and color matching to seamlessly integrate the crown with the patient’s natural dentition.
In total, chair time ranges from 3 to 4 hours. The process is relatively painless, and you’ll leave with a rejuvenated smile!
Factors Influencing the Time Required to Fabricate a Dental Crown
The time needed to complete a dental crown depends on several key factors, each contributing to the procedure’s overall duration. One essential element is the type of crown chosen for restoration.
Traditional crowns, made from materials such as metal or ceramic, typically require a multi-step process over several weeks, with separate appointments for preparation and placement. In contrast, the advent of “same-day” crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology accelerates the process, allowing completion in a single visit.
The material selected for the crown is another determining factor in timing. Ceramic crowns, renowned for their aesthetics, often require a longer fabrication period due to the complexity of the manufacturing process.
The complexity of the dental intervention itself also affects the total procedure time. Cases involving heavily decayed or damaged teeth require additional preparatory steps, which can extend the fabrication timeline. Dentists may need to take extra measures to ensure the tooth is properly prepared for the crown, adding time to achieve optimal results.
Schedule an Appointment for a Dental Crown
Thanks to advances in dental technology, crown placement is now faster and more efficient than ever. Don’t hesitate to contact our experts for an accurate estimate of the cost and time needed for your dental crown procedure.
