Dental Crown Procedure

Before any reconstructive dental treatment, dentists will refer the patient to a dental hygienist to clean plaque and bacteria build up from the teeth. When the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, the first stage of reconstructive dental treatment is to remove any tooth decay that is causing damage to teeth. When the teeth are prepared, dentists will begin the dental crown procedure.

Dental crowns sit on top of the existing tooth surface and add an extra protective layer to the tooth. To attach the crown successfully, the tooth enamel must be filled and reshaped to allow the crown to sit on top of the tooth surface and act as a cap to the existing tooth. Recontouring teeth involves using a smooth diamond bur, or dental sandpaper to smooth tooth enamel and even out sharp edges of the tooth.

Once the dental reshaping of the tooth is complete, a dental impression of the tooth is made. This tooth mould is sent to a dental laboratory where dental technicians use the impression to create a dental crown that will fit perfectly onto the reshaped tooth. The length of time it takes to make the dental crown will depend on the proximity of the dental clinic to the dental laboratory and the type of dental crown being used. Porcelain dental crowns provide a stronger protective layer and all-ceramic crowns offer a more natural appearance leaving the patient with an aesthetic replacement that blends into adjacent teeth. It normally takes 10-15 days for the dental crown to be constructed, however a  few dental clinics can have the completed crown returned within one day. Dentists will attach a temporary crown to patients teeth while waiting for the permanent crown to be made.

 Once the dental crown is complete and ready to be secured to the tooth, the patient will return to the clinic and the temporary crown will be removed. Dentists will then cover the tooth with a dental adhesive and bond the crown to the tooth. Heat from a laser will be applied to the tooth to ensure the adhesive secures the crown and there is no risk of it moving. Dental crowns are attached to dental implants using dental cement to secure the prosthetic cap to the replacement tooth root.

Related guides

• Types of dental crown
• Benefits of dental crowns
• Dental Crown Procedure

Other guides

• Dental Hygiene
• Gum disease
• Childrens' Dentistry
• Common Dental Problems
• Teeth whitening
• Reconstructive dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Dental Implants
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Veneers
• Dental Treatment in Mexico

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