What You Should Know Before Your Crown Appointment
If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, knowing what to expect makes the process much smoother. At Precision Dental Arts in San Diego, we walk every patient through preparation so there are no surprises on the day of the procedure. Whether this is your first crown or you’ve had one before, going in informed helps the appointment go faster and reduces unnecessary stress.
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. The procedure typically involves two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown, and a second to bond the permanent crown in place.
Understanding the full process before you sit down in the chair makes a real difference in how comfortable you feel.
What Is a Dental Crown and Why Might You Need One?
Common Reasons a Crown Is Recommended
Crowns are used for a range of dental situations. A tooth that has been weakened by decay, a large filling, a crack, or a root canal often needs a crown to protect it from further damage.
Crowns are also placed over dental implants, used to anchor a dental bridge, or recommended to restore a tooth that is severely worn down or misshapen. Your dentist will review which situation applies to your tooth and what type of crown is the best fit.
How to Prepare in the Days Before Your Appointment
The preparation for a crown procedure is straightforward, but a few steps ahead of time help things go more smoothly.
Eat a Full Meal Before You Go
Local anesthesia is typically used during crown preparation, which means part of your mouth will be numb for a couple of hours after the appointment. Eating a full meal beforehand means you won’t need to wait until the numbness wears off to eat comfortably.
Avoid Alcohol the Day Before
Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol can interfere with how anesthesia works and may increase bleeding during the procedure.
Tell Your Dentist About Any Medications
Let your dentist know about any medications or supplements you’re currently taking, including blood thinners and over-the-counter drugs. Some medications affect bleeding or interact with anesthesia, and your dentist may suggest adjusting your routine before the procedure.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Getting a Crown
Going in with questions is always a good idea. Here are a few worth asking at your consultation or before the procedure begins:
- What material will my crown be made from, and why is that the right choice for my tooth?
- How long will the temporary crown last before the permanent one is ready?
- What foods should I avoid while the temporary crown is in place?
- How do I care for the permanent crown once it’s bonded?
- What are the signs that something isn’t right after the procedure?
What Happens During the Crown Preparation Appointment
Understanding the first appointment takes a lot of the uncertainty out of the process.
Your dentist begins by numbing the area with local anesthesia. Once the tooth is numb, it is filed down and reshaped so the crown will fit properly over it. Any decay present is removed at the same time.
After reshaping, an impression is taken. That impression goes to a dental lab where your permanent crown is custom-made to match your bite and blend with the surrounding teeth. A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made.
The first appointment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the case.
How to Care for a Temporary Crown
The temporary crown is not as durable as the permanent one, so some adjustments to your normal routine are needed while it’s in place.
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy, or chewing gum that could pull the temporary crown loose
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth whenever possible
- When flossing around the temporary crown, slide the floss out sideways rather than pulling it straight up
- Stay away from very hard or crunchy foods that could crack or dislodge the temporary
- If the temporary crown comes off, contact your dentist right away so it can be re-cemented
What to Expect at the Second Appointment
The second appointment is usually shorter than the first. Your dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans the tooth, checks the fit and color of the permanent crown, and bonds it into place.
Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days after the permanent crown is placed. If your bite feels uneven or the discomfort doesn’t improve within a week, call your dentist. Most crowns last between 10 and 15 years with consistent care.
Caring for Your Crown Over the Long Term
A crown restores a tooth, but it doesn’t make it immune to problems. The natural tooth underneath the crown can still develop decay, particularly at the gum line where the crown meets the tooth structure.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular cleanings are the most effective ways to protect your investment. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard. Grinding puts significant pressure on crowns and can crack or loosen them over time.
If you’ve been told you need a crown — or want to find out whether one is the right solution for your tooth — contact Precision Dental Arts to schedule a consultation. Our San Diego team will walk you through every step, answer your questions, and make sure you feel fully prepared before your procedure begins.