You have a busy schedule, and finding time for a single dental appointment can be challenging. The team at de Man & Höediono Dentistry understands that when you need a dental crown to protect a damaged tooth, the idea of multiple visits spread over several weeks can feel overwhelming. You just want your tooth fixed so you can get back to your life.
A dental crown procedure can take either one or two appointments, depending on the technology used. The traditional method requires two visits, while recent innovations allow the entire process to take place in a single day.
What a Dental Crown Does for Your Tooth
Think of a dental crown as a custom-fitted helmet for your tooth. It's a cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown if you have a large cavity that's too big for a filling, a cracked tooth, or after a root canal treatment.
The Traditional Crown Process
The conventional way to get a dental crown involves two separate appointments. This process allows a dental lab the time needed to create your permanent crown with precision.
Your First Visit: Prepare & Scan
At your first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth. This involves slightly reshaping it so the new crown fits on top correctly. A digital scan of your mouth is then taken, and a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth until your next visit.
Your Second Visit: Place the Permanent Crown
About two weeks later, you’ll return to the office. The temporary crown is removed, and your new permanent crown is checked for fit and colour. Once everything looks right, the dentist cements your permanent crown into place, making sure your bite feels natural.
The Same-Day Crown Option: 1 Visit
With today’s technology, you don’t always have to wait two weeks for your permanent crown. For many, the entire procedure—from preparation to placement—can be completed in just one visit to the dental office.
How a Single-Visit Crown Works
The process starts with a digital picture of your tooth. This image is sent to a computer where your crown is designed. An in-office machine then crafts your new crown from a ceramic block. The whole process often takes about two hours.
Benefits of a Same-Day Crown
- Saves you time by completing the process in one appointment.
- You can skip wearing a temporary crown.
- There’s no need for messy impression putty.
Factors That Affect Your Crown Timeline
Your specific situation can affect how long it takes to get your crown. If your tooth requires other treatments first, such as a root canal, this can add to the overall timeline. The type of material chosen for your crown can also play a role, particularly with the two-visit approach.
What to Expect After Your Crown Placement
After your crown is permanently placed, the recovery is usually simple. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable.
Does It Hurt to Get a Crown?
Your dentist numbs the area around the tooth, so you should not feel discomfort during the procedure itself. You may notice some mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days, but this typically fades as your tooth adjusts.
When Can You Eat & How to Care for Your New Crown?
You should wait to eat until the numbness from the procedure has completely worn off. Your dental team may also offer options to help the numbness fade more quickly.
To help your new crown settle in:
- Choose softer foods for the first 24 hours
- Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would
- Avoid chewing on very hard items, such as ice or hard candy
- Continue with regular checkups to maintain your oral health
Getting a dental crown is a common way to protect and restore a tooth. At de Man & Höediono Dentistry, our team can discuss your options and help you find an approach that fits your needs and schedule. Contact our dentist in Kitchener to learn more about restoring your smile.