A dental crown is one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for restoring a damaged or weakened tooth. Whether your tooth is cracked, decayed, or has undergone a root canal, a crown helps protect it while restoring both function and appearance. But before that strong, natural-looking cap can be placed, your dentist must carefully prepare the tooth.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how dentists prepare a tooth for a crown, and why each step is important for achieving a comfortable, long-lasting result.
Step 1: Examining and Evaluating the Tooth
The process begins with a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist will assess the condition of the tooth using X-rays and a visual inspection to determine if a crown is the right treatment option.
If the tooth has significant decay or damage near the pulp (the tooth’s inner nerve), a root canal may be necessary first. The goal is to ensure the tooth is stable and healthy enough to support the crown. Any old fillings or decay will be removed before moving forward.
Step 2: Numbing the Area
Before any reshaping begins, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gums. This ensures that the procedure is completely pain-free. For anxious patients, sedation options such as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or oral medication may also be offered for added comfort.
Step 3: Reshaping the Tooth
Once the tooth is numb, your dentist begins reshaping it to make room for the crown. Using specialized dental tools, a thin layer of enamel is carefully removed from the outer surface and chewing area.
The amount of tooth structure removed depends on the type of crown being placed:
- Metal crowns require minimal removal because they are thin but strong.
- Porcelain or ceramic crowns require more space to ensure natural color and shape.
If the tooth is severely damaged or worn down, your dentist may use a filling material to build it up, creating a sturdy base for the crown to attach securely.
Step 4: Taking an Impression or Digital Scan
After the tooth has been shaped, your dentist will take an impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth and surrounding area. This model is used to craft a perfectly fitting custom crown that blends with your natural teeth.
Traditional impressions involve using a soft putty-like material placed in a tray, while modern offices often use digital scanners to capture precise 3D images — no mess, no discomfort.
Your dentist will then fit you with a temporary crown, made of acrylic or composite resin, to protect the tooth until your permanent crown is ready (usually in one to two weeks).
Step 5: Fitting and Cementing the Permanent Crown
Once your permanent crown arrives from the lab, you’ll return for a second visit. The temporary crown is removed, and your dentist checks the fit, color, and bite of the permanent crown. Minor adjustments ensure that it feels comfortable and looks completely natural.
When everything is perfect, the crown is bonded or cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive. Your dentist will polish it and confirm that your bite feels balanced.
Preparing a tooth for a crown is a detailed, careful process that combines precision and artistry. From reshaping the tooth to crafting a perfectly fitted restoration, every step ensures strength, comfort, and a beautiful result.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Garrad has more than a decade of experience practicing dentistry. She graduated in the top 5 percent of her class at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has since gone on to complete advanced training with a focus on Invisalign and dental implants. To this day, Dr. Garrad pursues continuing education through membership in the prestigious Spear Education organization. If you have a damaged tooth in need of repair, we can help! Schedule an appointment online or call our Greenville office at (903) 455-6075.