What to Anticipate On A Dental Crown Procedure

You’ve been told you need a dental crown, and suddenly, your mind fills with questions. Will it hurt? How long will it take? What even is a crown?

At Parkway Dental Center, we get it. But when you know what to expect, that fear melts away. This guide walks you through the full experience so you feel confident from start to finish.

Let’s make your crown procedure feel less like a mystery and more like a milestone in getting your oral health back on track.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is like a casing or a cap for your tooth. It covers the entire visible part above your gum line. It’s crafted to fit snugly and look natural—no one will know it’s there but you and your local dentist or a dentist in Minneapolis.

Think of it as a custom armor piece for your tooth. Whether you cracked a molar on popcorn or had a root canal last month, a crown protects what’s underneath and restores your bite.

Crowns can be made from different materials:

• Porcelain: Looks most like natural teeth.
• Ceramic: Ideal for front teeth—highly aesthetic.
• Metal: Very durable, great for back teeth.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Best of both worlds—strong and aesthetic.

The goal is simple: give you back full use of your tooth without compromising how your smile looks.

Why You Need Dental Crowns?

There are various reasons a dentist may recommend a crown. It’s not just about cosmetics—it’s about function, durability, and preventing further damage.

You might need a dental crown if:

• Your tooth is cracked or fractured.
• You’ve had a large filling that weakened your natural tooth structure.
• You recently underwent a root canal.
• There’s visible wear from grinding or acid erosion.
• A tooth is excruciatingly decayed, and a filling won’t cut it.

Here’s a quick example. Sarah, a patient at Parkway Dental Center, bit into a hard pretzel and cracked her back molar. She was worried she’d lose the tooth, but a crown saved it—and it looked just like her natural ones.

That’s the beauty of crowns—they don’t just fix. They restore.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

Getting a dental crown typically takes 2 visits. But don’t worry—we’ll break it down into bite-sized steps so you know exactly what happens.

First Visit: Exam and Preparation

• Step 1: Numbing the area
• Your dentist will use a local anesthetic so you don’t feel a thing during the procedure. Some patients even say it’s more comfortable than a filling.
• Step 2: Shaping the tooth
• We’ll carefully reshape the tooth so the crown can fit perfectly on top. This part is precise—it’s like sculpting.
• Step 3: Impressions
• Once shaped, we take impressions (molds) of the tooth and surrounding teeth. This ensures your crown will match your bite.
• Step 4: Temporary crown placement
• You’ll leave with a temporary or short-term crown to shield your tooth while the permanent one is made in a lab. It’s not forever—just a short-term stand-in.

💡 Tip: Avoid sticky or chewy foods while wearing your temporary crown.

Second Visit: Permanent Crown Placement

Usually, about two weeks later, you’ll return for the final step.

• Step 1: Temporary crown removal
• The dentist gently removes your temporary crown and cleans the area.
• Step 2: Fitting your permanent crown
• The new crown is tested for fit, shape, and color. It must look and feel just right.
• Step 3: Cementing it in place
• Once it checks out, your dentist permanently cements it onto your tooth. They’ll make minor bite adjustments so it feels natural.

That’s it. No long recovery. No downtime. Just a better, stronger tooth.

Aftercare Tips You Should Know

Once your crown is in place, it’s mostly business as usual. But to make it last as long as possible, here are a few easy care tips:

• Brush and floss regularly: Crowns can’t decay, but the tooth underneath still can.
• Skip hard or sticky snacks: Don’t use your teeth to open the packaging, either!
• Use a nightguard if you grind: Protect that investment if you’re prone to clenching at night.
• Visit your dentist near you for timely checkups: Routine cleanings and exams ensure your crown stays in good shape.

With good care, crowns can last 10 to 15 years—or longer.

Conclusion

Dental crowns aren’t scary—they’re a game-changer for your smile. Whether you’re dealing with a broken tooth, post-root canal care, or protecting against future damage, a crown offers strength and beauty in one package.

At Parkway Dental Center, we help you feel calm and confident every step of the way. From your first impression to your final placement, we’re with you. And if you’re searching for dental crowns in Minneapolis, MN, our friendly team makes sure your experience is smooth, stress-free, and successful.