How is a dental crown put in?

Several steps are involved and two dental visits generally are needed to complete the treatment of a dental crown. The dentist prepares the tooth by removing its outer portion to accommodate the thickness of the crown. If additional tooth structure is needed to support the crown, the dentist may build up the core of the tooth.

An impression is made to provide an exact model of the prepared tooth. Your dentist or the laboratory technician (following the dentist's written instructions), then uses the model to help develop the shape and size of the crown.

A temporary cap is placed while the final crown is made. When the crown is ready, the dentist puts it in place and makes the necessary adjustments. When you and your dentist are satisfied with how it looks and feels the crown is cemented in place.