Crown Procedure Steps: Save Your Damaged Teeth!

Have you ever cringed after biting into something hard and felt a sharp pain shoot through your tooth? Or maybe you’ve noticed a cracked, chipped, or worn-down tooth and wondered what can be done to protect it. At Malan Family Dentistry, we understand how important a strong, healthy smile is—not just for your appearance, but for your comfort and daily life.

Fortunately, dental crowns offer a trusted solution. With the right care and professional guidance, a dental crown can save your natural tooth, restore its function, and make your smile look and feel great again.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about crown procedure steps, dental crown materials, and the long-term benefits of dental crowns.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-designed cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. Its job is to protect the tooth underneath while restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used after root canals, large cavities, or fractures that compromise a tooth’s structure. There is a wide variety of dental crown materials available for you to choose from!

Think of it like a helmet for your tooth—it shields it from further damage and gives it new life.

Crown Procedure Steps: What to Expect

Many patients feel anxious before getting a crown simply because they don’t know what to expect. Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at how the process works:

Initial Consultation and Exam
Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine whether a crown is the best option. This ensures there’s enough healthy tooth structure to support the crown.
Tooth Preparation
The affected tooth is carefully reshaped to make room for the crown. This may involve removing damaged or decayed areas and tapering the tooth so the crown fits securely.
Taking Impressions
An impression or digital scan is taken of the prepared tooth and surrounding area. This ensures your crown will fit comfortably and align perfectly with your bite.
Placing a Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is placed while your permanent one is being custom-made in a dental lab. This protects your tooth and helps you maintain normal function in the meantime.
Final Placement of the Crown
At your next appointment, the permanent crown is tried in, adjusted if needed, and cemented into place. You’ll leave the office with a beautifully restored tooth that looks and feels natural.

This entire process usually takes two visits over a couple of weeks. It’s painless thanks to local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort after the procedure.

Dental Crown Materials: Which Type Is Right for You?

The material used for your crown matters, especially in terms of function, appearance, and longevity. At Malan Family Dentistry, we’ll help you choose the best material based on your needs. Here are the most common options:

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
Offers strength and a natural look. Great for back teeth where both durability and appearance matter.
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain
These crowns look the most like natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. They’re also a good option for patients with metal allergies.
Zirconia
Extremely strong and resistant to wear, zirconia crowns are a top choice for molars and patients who grind their teeth.
Gold Alloys
Though less common today for visible teeth, gold crowns are incredibly durable and ideal for people who value long-lasting function over aesthetics.

Each type has its own pros and cons, and your dentist will guide you through the decision based on your dental history, budget, and cosmetic goals.

Learn more about dental crown materials

Key Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns offer more than just cosmetic improvements—they can truly save your teeth. Here are the major benefits of dental crowns:

Protects Weak Teeth
Crowns act as a shield against further damage or decay.
Restores Normal Function
You can chew, speak, and smile with confidence again.
Improves Appearance
Crowns cover discoloration and correct uneven shapes, enhancing your smile.
Provides Durability
Most crowns last 10–15 years or more with proper care.
Supports Other Treatments
Crowns often anchor dental bridges or cover implants, supporting broader dental restoration.

Read more about the benefits of dental crowns

Crowns for the Whole Family

At Malan Family Dentistry, we see patients of all ages—and dental crowns can be beneficial for everyone. For children, crowns may be used to protect baby teeth severely damaged by decay. This helps maintain space for permanent teeth and ensures proper oral development.

For adults, crowns are often a long-term solution for tooth wear, trauma, or after root canal therapy. They're also a great choice for seniors looking to preserve their natural teeth and avoid extractions.

Whatever your age or stage of life, we’re here to make sure your crown fits comfortably into your lifestyle.

Cosmetic Benefits You’ll Love

While dental crowns are often needed for health reasons, they also offer significant cosmetic perks. When it comes to dental crown materials, all-porcelain and ceramic crowns are custom-shaded to match your surrounding teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

Patients often feel a boost in self-esteem once their crown is in place—because a complete, bright smile makes a difference in everyday confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do dental crowns last?
A: With proper brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, crowns can last 10–15 years—or even longer.

Q: Will my crown look natural?
A: Yes! We color-match your crown to your existing teeth for a seamless look.

Q: Are the crown procedure steps painful?
A: No. Local anesthetic is used during the process, and most patients experience little to no discomfort afterward.

Q: Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
A: Many dental insurance plans cover part or all of the cost if the crown is medically necessary. Be sure to check with your provider.

Ready to Restore and Protect Your Smile?

Don’t let a damaged tooth take away your confidence or quality of life. With expert care and personalized treatment at Malan Family Dentistry, your smile is in great hands. We’re here to walk you through each and every one of the crown procedure steps and ensure you feel comfortable from start to finish.

Call us today or schedule your appointment online to learn more about how dental crowns can restore strength, function, and beauty to your smile.