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What Happens During Your Dental Crown Appointment

By Singh Smile Care·October 19, 2026

Knowing what comes next takes most of the worry out of a crown appointment. Here is the whole process, start to finish.

Hearing that you need a crown can bring on a wave of questions. Will it hurt? How long will it take? Do I have to come back? A crown is one of the most common ways we protect a tooth that is cracked, worn, or heavily decayed, and the process is very predictable. Knowing the steps ahead of time makes it a lot easier.

At Singh Smile Care in Glendale, we make and place crowns in a single visit with our in-office Glidewell.io system. Some cases still call for a lab-made crown over two visits. Here is what happens in both, step by step.

Step 1: Exam and X-Rays

Dr. Singh examines the tooth and takes digital X-rays to see the roots and the bone around them. This confirms a crown is the right choice and rules out problems like infection or deep decay that need treatment first. He explains why the crown is needed and what the visit will involve. This is a good time to ask anything on your mind.

Step 2: Getting Numb

We place a numbing gel on the gum first so you barely feel the anesthetic. The local anesthetic takes effect within a few minutes. You may feel some pressure during the work, but not sharp pain. We check in with you throughout, and you can raise a hand at any time if you need a break.

Step 3: Shaping the Tooth and Scanning

A small amount of the outer enamel is removed so the crown will fit comfortably in your bite. The amount depends on the type of crown. Then we take a digital scan of the tooth and of how your teeth come together.

For a same-day crown, that scan goes straight to the design software and our milling unit, which makes the crown from BruxZir NOW zirconia while you wait. The crown is fitted and bonded in the same visit, usually about one to two hours in total, with no temporary.

If Your Crown Is Lab-Made

Some cases are sent to a lab. On the first visit we place a temporary crown to protect the tooth, hold your bite, and keep the neighboring teeth from shifting. Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum and hard foods like nuts and ice, and chew on the other side when you can. If the temporary comes off, call us so we can recement it.

At the second, shorter visit we remove the temporary, clean the tooth, check the fit, color, and bite, and bond the permanent crown. You bite down a few times to confirm it feels right.

First visit: about one to two hours
Second visit: about 30 to 60 minutes
Temporary crown in between

Aftercare

Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days, sometimes a couple of weeks, and over-the-counter pain relief helps. If your bite feels uneven once the numbness wears off, call us for a quick adjustment. With regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, a crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a crown hurt?

Most patients feel little to no pain thanks to the numbing gel and local anesthetic. Some soreness or sensitivity for a few days afterward is common and easy to manage.

How long does a crown last?

Ten to 15 years or more with good hygiene, regular checkups, and a little care around hard or sticky foods.

What is the difference between a same-day and a traditional crown?

A traditional crown takes two visits with a lab in between and a temporary crown. A same-day crown is designed and milled in our office and placed in one visit. Both give a strong, natural-looking result.