How Long Does a Tooth Crown Take? Discover Albany Creek’s Fast & Reliable Solutions

If you’re considering a tooth crown, one of the first questions you might have is how long the procedure takes. The time it takes to complete a dental crown treatment can vary depending on various factors, including the type of crown you need, the technology used, and your individual dental needs. At Albany Creek Dental, we strive to provide our patients with efficient, high-quality care, ensuring that your tooth crown is fitted perfectly and promptly.

What is a Tooth Crown and Why Do You Need One?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often needed for teeth that have been weakened due to decay, trauma, or large fillings. They are also commonly used to cover dental implants or protect teeth after root canal treatment. Crowns are made from various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, and metal, and can be designed to match the natural appearance of your teeth.

How Long Does the Tooth Crown Procedure Take?

The time required for a tooth crown procedure largely depends on the method used to create and fit the crown. Generally, the process can take from a few hours to a couple of weeks. To better understand the different timeframes, let’s break it down into the steps involved.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Examination

Your journey to a new crown starts with a consultation. During this appointment, your Emergency dentist will examine the affected tooth, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss the type of crown that best suits your needs. For some patients, a simple filling or another form of treatment may be recommended instead. This consultation usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes and helps ensure that the treatment plan is right for you.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation and Shaping

Once you’ve decided to proceed with the crown, the next step involves preparing the tooth. This step usually requires 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the tooth’s damage. During the preparation phase, the dentist will reshape the affected tooth to create space for the crown. If necessary, additional procedures, such as a root canal, may be performed to ensure the tooth is strong enough to support the crown. After reshaping, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth until your permanent crown is ready.

Step 3: Crown Fabrication

Now comes the most variable part of the process: fabricating the crown. The time this takes depends on whether you are getting a same-day CEREC crown or a traditional crown.

• Traditional Crowns: These crowns are made in a dental lab, a process that typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. After the tooth preparation, impressions are taken, and the lab creates a custom crown to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth.
• CEREC Crowns: With CEREC technology, Albany Creek Dental can create crowns in-house during the same appointment. This process typically takes 2 to 3 hours and uses computer-aided design (CAD) technology and 3D imaging to produce a custom-fit crown. CEREC crowns offer the advantage of being completed in a single visit, making them an excellent choice for patients with busy schedules.

Step 4: Crown Fitting and Cementing

Once your crown is ready, the next step is the fitting and cementing. This is a relatively quick process, usually taking 20 to 30 minutes. During this appointment, your dentist will check the fit of the crown, ensuring it aligns properly with your bite. Any necessary adjustments will be made, and once everything is perfect, the crown will be permanently cemented into place.

Step 5: Follow-Up Care

After the crown has been placed, your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is going smoothly. This appointment is usually 15 to 20 minutes and serves to check that the crown is comfortable and there are no issues with the fit. Some discomfort or sensitivity is normal in the first few days, but it should subside. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, contact your dentist for a follow-up.

What is the Total Time for a Tooth Crown?

The total time for a tooth crown procedure can range from a single day for same-day CEREC crowns to a couple of weeks for traditional crowns. Below is a table summarising the time required for each step of the procedure:

Step	Procedure Description	Duration
Consultation and Examination	Initial consultation and diagnosis, including X-rays	30-60 minutes
Tooth Preparation	Shaping the tooth and taking impressions	1-2 hours
Crown Fabrication	Custom crown creation (traditional vs. same-day)	1-2 weeks (traditional) or 2-3 hours (same-day)
Crown Fitting and Cementing	Final fitting, adjustments, and permanent cementing	20-30 minutes
Follow-Up Appointment	Ensuring comfort and proper fit	Variable, 15-20 minutes

How Does CEREC Technology Speed Up the Process?

One of the most significant advancements in crown technology is CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), which allows for same-day crown creation. This technology uses a special 3D scanner to create precise digital impressions of the tooth, which are then used to design and mill the crown on-site. This means that patients no longer need to wait days or weeks for their crown to be made in a lab. Instead, the entire process is completed in a single visit, saving time and ensuring a perfect fit.

CEREC crowns are made from durable, high-quality ceramic materials and are an excellent choice for patients looking for quick, reliable solutions.

How Long Will a Tooth Crown Last?

While the procedure for getting a crown is important, you also want to know how long the crown will last. The lifespan of a dental crown depends on several factors, such as the material used, your oral care routine, and the placement of the crown. On average, crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Porcelain crowns tend to last between 10 to 15 years, while metal crowns can last even longer.

To ensure the longevity of your crown, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on hard objects, and attend regular dental check-ups. In some cases, your dentist may recommend additional protection, such as a night guard, if you grind your teeth.

Why Choose Albany Creek Dental for Your Tooth Crown?

At Albany Creek Dental, we understand that getting a dental crown can be a big decision. That’s why we are committed to offering fast and reliable solutions with the latest technology, such as CEREC crowns, to give you the results you want in the least amount of time possible. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure, from consultation to follow-up care.

We also offer a range of payment options to make dental care more accessible, including flexible payment plans and financing options. Our goal is to provide you with high-quality dental care in a warm, welcoming environment.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact Albany Creek Dental today. Let us help you restore your smile with fast and efficient crown solutions.

Read More: Top Reasons Albany Creek Families Should Prioritise Regular Dental Visits

References:

1. Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). Dental Crowns and Bridges. 
2. Australian Dental Association. (2020). The Role of Dental Crowns in Restorative Dentistry. 
3. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. (2021). Understanding CEREC Same-Day Crowns. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does a traditional dental crown take?

1. • Traditional crowns typically take 1-2 weeks to be made in a lab after the initial consultation and tooth preparation.

1. Can I get a dental crown in one day?

1. • Yes, with CEREC technology, we can create and fit your crown in just one visit, usually within 2-3 hours.

1. How long does the crown fitting appointment take?

1. • The fitting and cementing process generally takes around 20-30 minutes.

1. Will I feel any discomfort during the crown procedure?

1. • You may feel some discomfort during the tooth preparation and fitting, but it is generally well-managed with anaesthesia.

1. Can I eat after getting a dental crown?

1. • Once the crown is cemented, you can eat, but it’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours.

1. How long does a dental crown last?

1. • Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the material used and how well you take care of your teeth.