The length of time it takes to prepare and receive a dental crown is dependent upon whether your dentist offers same-day crowns or if you will receive a traditional crown.
Dentists may recommend crowns based on a variety of factors. The following situations may lead you and your dentist to decide if a dental crown is right for you:
- You have little to no tooth left after filling a cavity
- You’ve had a root canal
- You have a poorly shaped tooth that distorts your smile
- You have a weak took that is susceptible to decay, cracking, or breaking
- There’s a cavity that is too large to just simply fill
- To support a dental bridge (this will cover multiple teeth)
How much time will it take to get a crown?
Preparing your tooth
Following a consultation where you decide a crown is a right choice, you will set up an appointment where your dentist will prepare your tooth. This initial step will take around 1 hour (60 minutes) to do.
Under local anesthesia, your dentist will shape your tooth to remove any decay and shape it down so that a crown can comfortably fit over it. If your tooth does not have enough support, the dentist will use threaded pins to support a composite filling, building up the core of your tooth. If building up the core of your tooth is necessary, the process may take around 90 minutes. Following this procedure, a 3D scan of your mouth will be made using a digital scanner, paste, and putty.
Traditional crowns vs. same-day crowns
If your dentist offers same-day crowns, sometimes referred to as CEREC (CERamic REConstruction), they will have the equipment in-office and will be able to make your crown the same day as your initial preparation appointment. Just like traditional crowns, it will mimic the same shape, size, and color of your other teeth. The process to make a same-day crown takes around 1 hour (60 minutes).
If you opt for a traditional crown, the 3D scan or mold will be sent out to a lab to create it. By the time your dentist’s office receives the crown, it can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks. You will be fitted with a temporary crown during this waiting period to protect the remaining tooth.
Installing the permanent crown
Using a local anesthetic, your dentist will numb your tooth and the surrounding area. Minor adjustments may be necessary to the crown to ensure it fits properly. Then using cement, the crown will be fitted over the prepared tooth. You can expect this last step to take 20-30 minutes.
So, how long in total?
Depending on whether your dental crown procedure will take one or two visits, you can expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours in the chair in total. The process is relatively painless and you will leave with a rejuvenated smile!
If you are looking to get a CEREC same-day crown in the Northeast PA, Scranton area, consider Dr. Charles Dennis & his team at Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Call the office at (570) 587-4031 to set up a consultation today!
