How long does it take to get a dental crown?
Dec 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
If it is your first visit to prepare for a crown, the dentist will first perform a comprehensive examination of the tooth to assess its condition and determine whether preliminary treatments, such as root canal therapy, are necessary. If the tooth has decay or pulp disease, root canal treatment must be performed first. This process generally requires 2 to 3 visits, with approximately one week between each visit, and the entire root canal treatment usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Generally, the process of getting a dental crown takes 2 to 4 weeks. The detailed timeline is as follows:
If it's the first visit for crown placement, the dentist will first perform a comprehensive examination of the tooth to assess its condition and determine whether prior treatments such as root canal therapy are necessary. If the tooth has decay or pulp disease, root canal treatment must be performed first, which typically requires 2 to 3 visits spaced about a week apart, taking approximately 2 to 3 weeks in total.
If the tooth condition is good and root canal treatment is not needed, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing some tooth structure to shape it appropriately for crown placement. This process usually takes several minutes. Then, the dentist will take an impression to record the tooth's shape and occlusal relationship, which is used to fabricate the crown. A temporary crown may then be placed to protect the prepared tooth, which takes about ten to thirty minutes. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory for crown fabrication, which generally takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Once the crown is ready, the patient returns for a second visit. The dentist will adjust the crown to ensure proper contact with adjacent teeth and correct occlusion before permanently cementing it onto the tooth. This process usually takes about half an hour.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and avoiding chewing hard foods with the crowned tooth is important. After crown placement, patients should follow the dentist's instructions for regular follow-up visits to ensure the crown remains stable and oral health is maintained.
