In the realm of dentistry, a crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth. It is a type of dental repair that completely encircles a severely damaged or weakened tooth caused by an injury, cavity, or dental work such as a root canal.

Read on to find out how you can get a dental crown, how it will change your dental care, and how long the crown will last.

Dental crown procedure

The technique will differ depending on whether your dentist chooses a multi-day or same-day procedure.

The multi-day procedure

If you are getting a standard crown, you must visit your dentist's office twice.

  1. Your dentist will examine and prepare your tooth that needs the crown. This may entail taking X-rays of the tooth or even taking a mold of it or your entire jaw.
  2. A part of the tooth's outer covering will be filed down and removed.
  3. Then, the dentist will mold your trimmed tooth and the surrounding teeth.
  4. To prevent damage to your tooth, the dentist will place a temporary crown over it.
  5. They send the mold to a facility where the crown will be made. This process could take several weeks.
  6. When the crown arrives, you'll return for a second appointment so your dentist can bond it to your tooth.

Same-day procedure

You can avoid the temporary crown phase with a same-day procedure.

  1. Your dentist will take a digital scan of your mouth.
  2. Using the scan, they will create the crown right in the office. You may have to wait 1 to 2 hours for the height to be made. So, if you need to, you may even be able to go back to work while you're waiting.
  3. Once the crown is ready, your dentist cements it on your tooth. The entire process may take about 2 to 4 hours. 

Only some dentists have the necessary equipment to perform same-day crowns. If you do not have dental insurance, talk to your dentist about this option and how much it will cost.

Dental crown care

Once the crown is in place, it must be adequately cared for. Careful upkeep of your crown might help it last longer.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Brush your teeth carefully. If you are cleaning your teeth less daily, it's time to start. If your crown or the teeth around it are sensitive to heat or cold, try to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
  • Flossing daily may help keep all of your teeth healthy.
  • Hard meals should be avoided. If you chew ice or eat hard foods, your crown may crack, especially if it is porcelain.
  • Your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your crown and surrounding teeth if you grind or clench your teeth at night.

Temporary dental crown care

Because the glue is only intended for temporary installations, you should be extra cautious when working with a temporary crown.

Brush normally, but be especially gentle. When flossing, attempt to take the floss out from the side of the tooth rather than snapping it back up, which could dislodge the crown.

If your temporary crown falls off or cracks while you're waiting for the permanent crown, contact your dentist right away. Your dentist can repair it or create a new one for you.

How long do dental crowns last?

The lifespan of a crown can vary between 5 and 15 years. Some crowns are sturdier than others so they may last longer.

The monolithic crowns made from solid material, such as zirconia, are the least likely to split or crack. However, the variations in crown placement and other factors may affect your case's results.

Gold crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, in general, endure the longest.

Although all-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns appear more natural, they are typically less sturdy than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal variants. All-resin crowns also tend to wear out faster.

Crowns can persist for many years if properly cared for.