Dental crown procedure — how tooth capping is done, step by step

Key facts

• Usually two visits, about one to two weeks apart
• Local anaesthetic: pressure rather than pain
• Digital scan or impression records the tooth and bite
• Temporary crown protects the tooth between visits
• Fit, colour and bite checked before cementing

When a tooth needs a crown

A crown, or cap, covers the whole visible part of a tooth to protect and restore it. Common reasons include a cracked or broken tooth, a very large filling that leaves thin walls, a molar after root canal treatment, a worn or badly shaped tooth, or a tooth that is heavily discoloured. A crown is also used on top of a dental implant and as part of a bridge. Not every damaged tooth needs one: smaller defects can often be restored with a filling or onlay. At the first consultation, Dr. Manhal Helfawee examines the tooth, takes X-rays and explains whether a crown is the most conservative sensible choice.

Visit one: preparation and digital scan

The tooth and gum are numbed with local anaesthetic. Any decay or old filling is removed and, if the tooth is badly broken, a core build-up is placed to rebuild it. The tooth is then shaped evenly on all sides to create room for the crown material, with the amount of reduction depending on the material chosen. A digital intraoral scan or conventional impression records the prepared tooth and your bite, and the shade is selected in natural light. A temporary crown is made and cemented to protect the tooth. This first visit usually takes around one to two hours, depending on the tooth and any build-up needed.

Between visits: the laboratory and your temporary

The scan is sent to the dental laboratory, where the crown is designed and made from the agreed material, such as zirconia, E.max or porcelain fused to metal. This usually takes from several days to around two weeks. Meanwhile, the temporary crown protects the tooth and keeps the gum and neighbouring teeth in position. It is held with a weaker cement so it can be removed easily, so avoid sticky or very hard foods on that side and slide floss out sideways rather than lifting it. If the temporary comes off, keep it and contact the clinic so it can be re-cemented.

Visit two: fitting the final crown

The temporary crown is removed and the tooth is cleaned. The new crown is tried in to check the fit at the gum line, the contacts with neighbouring teeth, the colour and the bite. Small adjustments are made and the crown is polished. Local anaesthetic is not always needed for this step. Once you and the dentist are satisfied, the crown is fully cemented or bonded, excess cement is removed and the bite is checked again. You can usually eat normally once any numbness wears off, though some people prefer softer food for a day or two while the tooth settles.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Many people ask whether tooth capping is painful. Because the tooth is numbed, the preparation is usually comfortable, with only pressure and vibration felt. Afterwards, mild sensitivity to cold or tenderness of the gum for a few days is common and normally settles. If you are anxious, let the team know: the steps can be explained as they happen and breaks taken whenever you need. For a broken molar, treatment often begins sooner to prevent further fracture. Contact the clinic if pain increases, the bite feels high, or you notice swelling. A written, itemised plan is provided after examination, as cost depends on the tooth and material.

A crown covers and strengthens a damaged tooth; a bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Zirconia and porcelain options combine strength with a natural appearance.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.