What to Expect When You Get a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown usually takes two visits spaced a couple of weeks apart, and knowing what happens at each one takes most of the anxiety out of it. At Westberry Dental in South Daytona, Dr. Westberry has been placing crowns since 1983, and the process below is what a typical patient can expect from start to finish.
Why a Crown Might Be Recommended
A crown caps the entire visible part of a tooth to restore its shape and strength. Dr. Westberry usually recommends one after a large filling, a fracture, or root canal treatment, when a simple filling would not hold up to normal chewing. It can also even out the color and shape of a tooth that stands out in your smile. You can read more about the options on our dental crowns page.
The First Appointment: Preparation
The first visit is where most of the work happens.
- We start with an exam and X-rays to confirm the tooth can support a crown.
- The area is numbed, and the tooth is gently reshaped to make room for the crown.
- We take a digital scan or impression so the permanent crown fits precisely against the neighboring teeth.
- A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is made.
Most patients are surprised by how routine this visit feels. You leave with a working temporary and a follow-up scheduled.
Living With a Temporary Crown
The temporary is not as strong as the final crown, so a little care goes a long way for the week or two it is in place. Chew on the opposite side when you can, skip sticky foods like caramel that can pull it loose, and slide floss out sideways rather than lifting it straight up. If the temporary comes off, keep it and call the office. It is a quick fix, not an emergency, but the tooth underneath is sensitive and should be protected.
The Second Appointment: Placement
At the second visit, we remove the temporary and check the fit and color of the permanent crown before cementing it. We look at how it meets the opposing teeth when you bite so nothing feels high, and we make small adjustments as needed. Once it feels right, the crown is bonded in place. The appointment is usually shorter than the first.
Caring for Your Crown
A well-cared-for crown often lasts ten to fifteen years, and many last longer. Brush twice a day, floss gently at the gumline where the crown meets the tooth, and keep your regular cleanings so we can check the margin over time. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or crunch ice, which is hard on crowns and natural teeth alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
No. The tooth is numbed during preparation, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward is normal.
How long does the whole process take?
Usually two appointments over about two weeks, with a temporary crown in between while the permanent one is made.
What if my temporary crown falls off?
Keep the temporary, avoid chewing on that side, and call us. Re-securing it is a quick visit, and it protects the prepared tooth until your permanent crown is ready.
Considering a Crown in South Daytona?
Call Westberry Dental at (386) 761-8822 to schedule a consultation. If you are weighing tooth replacement rather than restoration, our implant restoration options may also be worth discussing.
