How Long Does It Take for a Dental Crown to Be Made

When it comes to dental health, crowns are often a common solution for restoring damaged or weakened teeth. If you’re considering getting a dental crown or you’re already in the process, you might be wondering, “How long does it take for a crown to be made?” This blog dives into the specifics, so you know what to expect. From the creation process to the appointments, we’ve got everything covered.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is essentially a cap that’s placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often recommended when a tooth is decayed or broken or after a root canal procedure. They not only protect the tooth but also improve its overall functionality.

Why Do You Need a Crown?

There are several reasons why your dentist might suggest getting a crown:

• To protect a weak tooth from breaking.
• To restore a tooth that is already broken.
• To cover a tooth with a large filling where not much of the original tooth is left.
• To hold a dental bridge in place.
• To cover discoloured or misshapen teeth.
• After a root canal procedure, where the tooth might need additional protection.

Crowns can serve both functional and cosmetic purposes, making them an excellent solution for many dental issues.

How Are Dental Crowns Made?

The process of making a dental crown involves precision and the use of advanced technology. Here’s an overview of how crowns are typically crafted:

1. Initial Mold: Your dentist will first make an impression of your tooth to design the crown. This can be done using a digital 3D scanner or traditional moulds.
2. Material Selection: Options like porcelain, metal, ceramic, or a combination of materials are chosen based on your needs and preferences.
3. Crown Fabrication: The crown is crafted in a dental lab or, in some cases, using in-office machines like CEREC. Modern technology has drastically shortened the creation process for crowns.
4. Final Fitting: Once the crown is ready, it’s tested for fit, adjusted if necessary, and then permanently bonded to your tooth.

How Long Does It Take for a Crown to Be Made?

Under normal circumstances, it takes about two to three weeks for a crown to be made in a dental lab from the time the impression is taken. However, with newer technologies like same-day crowns, the entire fabrication process can be completed in just a few hours.

How Long Does It Take to Put a Crown on a Tooth?

The time required to place a crown on your tooth varies based on the method used:

• Traditional Crowns:
• You’ll need two appointments for traditional crowns. The first appointment involves preparing the tooth and taking impressions (usually an hour), and the second appointment is for fitting and placing the crown (also about an hour).
• Same-Day Crowns:
• Using advanced techniques like CEREC, crowns can be created and placed in a single appointment, which typically takes two to three hours.

How Long Does a Second Crown Appointment Take?

If you’re getting a traditional crown, the second appointment generally takes 20-30 minutes. This involves testing the crown’s fit, making minor adjustments, and cementing it in place.

Factors That Affect the Timeline of a Dental Crown

The time it takes for a crown to be made or placed can depend on several factors:

1. Type of Crown:
2. Crowns made in a lab take longer compared to same-day crowns created in the office.
3. Material Selection:
4. Porcelain, zirconia, or E-max crowns might require specialized processes or equipment, which could increase the time.
5. Dental Lab Workload:
6. If your dentist works with an off-site lab, the lab’s schedule can influence how quickly your crown is ready.
7. Dental Condition:
8. For more complex conditions, like cracked teeth or gum issues, additional preparation may extend the timeline.

How Long Does It Take for a Permanent Crown to Be Made?

Permanent crowns are typically ready within one to three weeks if they’re produced in a lab. For same-day crowns, you’ll have a permanent crown placed in just a few hours.

Temporary Crowns vs. Permanent Crowns

Temporary crowns serve as a placeholder while you wait for your permanent crown. They offer protection but aren’t as durable or aesthetically pleasing. Temporary crowns are usually worn for 1-3 weeks until your permanent crown is ready.

How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Crown to Be Made in Different Scenarios?

The total time will vary depending on the following scenarios:

• Traditional Lab-Made Crowns:
• Two visits, spread over two to three weeks.
• Same-Day Crowns:
• One visit, completed in around 2-4 hours.
• Emergency Crowns:
• If immediate treatment is necessary, temporary crowns can often be crafted quickly while you wait for a lab-made or permanent crown.

Common Materials Used in Dental Crowns

The type of material used impacts both the production time and durability of the crown. Common materials include:

1. Porcelain:
2. Matches the tooth colour, which is ideal for front teeth.
3. Zirconia:
4. Extremely strong and durable.
5. Metal:
6. Long-lasting and often used for molars.
7. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM):
8. Balances strength and aesthetics.

What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure

1. Consultation and X-Rays:
2. Your dentist will discuss your options and take an X-ray of the affected tooth.
3. Tooth Preparation:
4. The tooth is filed down to prepare for the crown.
5. Impressions or Scans:
6. Accurate impressions or 3D scans are taken.
7. Placement of Temporary Crown (for lab-made crowns):
8. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is being made.
9. Fitting and Placement:
10. The permanent crown is bonded to the tooth.

Caring for Your New Dental Crown

To keep your crown in great shape:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods.
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups.

Potential Issues with Crowns and Solutions

Although rare, crowns can sometimes chip, loosen, or cause discomfort. If this happens, contact your dentist promptly to adjust, repair, or possibly replace the crown.

FAQs About Dental Crowns