Porcelain Dental Crowns Treatment Timeline: What to Expect

The First Appointment

Your first visit is mostly about figuring out whether a crown is actually the right treatment. Your dentist examines the tooth and may take an X-ray if they need to see what’s happening below the surface. The goal is to make sure there isn’t an untreated problem hiding underneath.

Preparing the Tooth

Once everything looks suitable, the dentist reshapes the tooth so the porcelain crown has enough room to sit over it properly. You won’t feel the actual preparation because the area is numbed first.

Then an impression or digital scan is taken. This gives the dental lab the information needed to make your crown fit your tooth and bite. Your dentist may place a temporary crown before you leave, especially if the permanent one isn’t being fitted on the same day.

Waiting for the Permanent Crown

The laboratory stage is usually where you spend most of the waiting time. Your dentist sends the scan or impression to the lab, where the porcelain crown is made to match the shape and appearance of your tooth.

This often takes around one to two weeks, although the exact timing depends on the dental practice and laboratory. Some clinics offer faster options, while others need more time for the crown to be produced and checked.

What You Do While Waiting

• Keep chewing gentle on that side, especially if the temporary crown feels a little strange at first.

• Floss carefully. Pull the floss out sideways rather than snapping it upward, which can loosen the temporary crown.

• If your bite feels wrong or the temporary crown moves, call the dental practice rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Fitting the Porcelain Crown

Your second appointment is usually much shorter than the preparation visit. The dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the permanent porcelain crown against your tooth.

They’ll look at the fit and your bite. You may be asked to bite down several times so they can see whether the crown feels too high. If something needs adjusting, it can usually be corrected before the crown is permanently cemented.

The First Few Days After Treatment

Your mouth might feel slightly different at first. That’s normal. You may notice the crown when you bite or run your tongue over it, but most people stop thinking about it once they get used to the new shape.

Some sensitivity can happen after treatment, particularly with cold foods or drinks. It should settle rather than keep getting worse.

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