How Long Does a Crown Procedure Take?
A crown procedure usually takes two appointments, with the total time spread over several weeks. The first appointment typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. During this visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing decay, reshaping the tooth, and taking an impression to send to the lab. This step involves numbing the area to ensure the patient is comfortable while the tooth is shaped to fit the crown. After the tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is placed to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.
The second appointment, which occurs a few weeks later, is shorter, often taking about 30 to 60 minutes. During this visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, check the fit of the permanent crown, and cement it in place. After ensuring the crown fits well and feels comfortable, the patient can leave the office with their new restoration. Although the actual dental work does not take long, the waiting period for the crown to be fabricated in the lab can vary depending on the dental practice.
