Family Dentistry of Texoma

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

A dental crown is one of the most common restorative procedures in dentistry — it is a reliable way to save a tooth that has been significantly damaged, weakened, or treated with a root canal. If your dentist has recommended a crown, here is a clear explanation of what it is, why it is needed, and what the process looks like from start to finish.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the chewing surface down to the gumline. It is custom-made to match the shape and color of your surrounding teeth and is cemented permanently in place. Once seated, it functions as the outer surface of the tooth.

Why Would You Need a Crown?

Crowns are used in a wide variety of situations:

• After a root canal. A tooth that has had root canal therapy becomes more brittle over time. A crown protects it from cracking under chewing forces.
• A large cavity. When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth for a filling to be structurally sound, a crown is the appropriate restoration.
• A cracked tooth. A crown holds the pieces of a cracked tooth together and prevents the crack from propagating further.
• A broken tooth. Significant fractures that cannot be repaired with bonding require the full coverage of a crown.
• Severely worn teeth. Grinding can wear teeth down to the point where their shape and function need to be fully restored.
• A dental implant. The visible tooth portion of an implant is a crown attached to the titanium post.

The Two-Appointment Process

Getting a traditional crown typically requires two appointments spaced two to three weeks apart.

Appointment One: Preparation and Impressions

At the first visit, your dentist will:

• Numb the tooth and surrounding tissue with local anesthesia
• Remove any decay and reshape the tooth to create space for the crown to fit over it — this involves reducing the tooth on all sides by about one to two millimeters
• Take impressions (either traditional putty molds or digital scans) that are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is fabricated
• Place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it while you wait for the permanent one

Between Appointments: The Temporary Crown

The temporary crown is made of acrylic and is not as strong as the final restoration. While wearing it:

• Avoid sticky or chewy foods that can pull it off
• Avoid very hard foods on that side
• Floss carefully by sliding out sideways rather than pulling up through the contact
• Call your dentist if the temporary comes off — the prepared tooth underneath needs to stay protected

Appointment Two: Seating the Permanent Crown

When the lab-fabricated crown arrives, you return for the second appointment. Your dentist will remove the temporary, try in the permanent crown to check fit and bite, make any minor adjustments, and cement it permanently once everything is confirmed. This appointment is typically shorter and more comfortable than the first.

Same-Day Crowns

Some dental offices offer same-day crowns milled from a ceramic block using CAD/CAM technology. The preparation is the same, but the crown is designed digitally and milled in the office while you wait, eliminating the temporary crown and a second appointment. Ask our team whether this option is available for your situation.

What to Expect After the Crown Is Placed

Some sensitivity to temperature and pressure in the days following crown placement is normal as the tooth adjusts. This typically resolves within one to two weeks. Contact your dentist if:

• The bite feels high or uneven — this is a common and easy adjustment
• Pain when biting does not improve after a few days
• The crown feels loose or comes off
• Sensitivity worsens rather than gradually improving

How Long Does a Crown Last?

A well-placed crown on a well-maintained tooth typically lasts 15 to 25 years. The factors that most affect longevity are oral hygiene, whether the patient grinds their teeth, and the material used. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and full zirconia crowns are the most durable options for back teeth; all-ceramic crowns offer superior aesthetics for front teeth.

If your dentist has recommended a crown and you have questions about the process, call Family Dentistry of Texoma in Wichita Falls at (940) 723-0435 or request an appointment online. We are happy to walk you through the specifics before you commit to anything.