What does getting a crown actually involve?
- The tooth is reshaped to make room for the cap, which is a permanent, irreversible step.
- Most crowns take one to two visits, depending on whether your office mills crowns in-house.
- A temporary crown protects the tooth between visits if a lab is making your permanent one.
Why people ask this
Knowing the actual steps helps make the process feel less unknown.
What condition this addresses
Addresses the step-by-step process of getting a crown, for anyone wanting to know what to expect.
What dentists commonly consider
Whether same-day in-house milling is available affects whether you need one visit or two.
Typical reasons this may be recommended
- Understanding what happens during tooth preparation
- Knowing the difference between temporary and permanent crown visits
Questions worth asking
Possible alternatives
- Same-day milled crowns, where available, to skip the temporary-crown step
Benefits & trade-offs
- Two-visit process (traditional lab-made) often provides more material options
- Same-day crowns save a visit but may have fewer material choices depending on the office
Risks & limitations
- Tooth reshaping is not reversible once done
What happens if treatment is delayed
Not applicable to this resource — see the separate resource on whether you actually need a crown for the urgency question.
What to expect, step by step
01
Consultation
Your dentist explains the plan and answers questions.
02
Preparation
The tooth is reshaped and scanned or impressed.
03
Temporary crown
A temporary cap protects the tooth while the permanent one is made, if not same-day.
04
Placement
The permanent crown is checked and cemented into place.
Recovery
Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a week or two afterward is common and usually settles on its own.
Cost considerations
Cost varies by material — porcelain, zirconia, and gold price differently, so ask for a breakdown by option.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tooth-reshaping hurt?
No — it's done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure.
What if my temporary crown falls off?
Contact your dentist promptly — the tooth underneath needs protection until the permanent crown is placed.
How long does the whole process take start to finish?
Same-day options finish in one visit; traditional lab-made crowns typically take one to two weeks between visits.
Last reviewed 7/15/2026.
Keep this with you.
Save this guide and your questions to your Decision Folder — you can print it, download it, or email it to yourself.
Related guides
Further reading