How Long Does It Take to Place a Dental Crown on a Tooth?

Dental crowns are used extensively in modern dentistry for a variety of reasons. From restoring a tooth's function and appearance after a restorative procedure like a root canal to bridging the gap in dental implants and smile makeovers, these artificial restorations are a cornerstone in preserving oral health. The need for a dental crown arises when a tooth is broken or decayed to the extent that fillings can't repair the problem. When such situations occur, the expertise and cutting-edge technology at the Center for Dentofacial Aesthetics in Annandale, VA come into play. Dr. Harshit Aggarwal and our skilled team are ready to deliver a seamless dental crown procedure tailored to your needs.

A timeline for dental crown procedures

As dental professionals, we often encounter questions about the duration of dental procedures like dental crowns. Typically, dental practitioners can complete a dental crown procedure within two appointments over two weeks. However, with advancements in technology like the E4D Dentist™ system, the timeline has been dramatically reduced, making it possible to design, create, and place a crown in just one appointment.

Step 1: Initial consultation and tooth preparation (30 – 60 minutes)

The dental crown procedure begins with a thorough examination of the tooth followed by checking the tooth structure and taking images to assess the tooth's health. The dentist then will prepare the damaged tooth for the crown, which may involve reshaping or building up the tooth. Using the E4D Dentist system, we will take a digital impression of your prepared tooth.

Step 2: Crown design and creation (60 – 90 minutes)

Next, based on the digital impressions, E4D Dentist software creates a 3D model of your crown. The dentist will customize the design to ensure the crown fits with your bite and matches the color of your teeth. Once the design is approved, the milling machine carves the crown out of a solid ceramic block in about an hour.

Step 3: Crown placement and final adjustments (20 – 30 minutes)

The freshly-milled crown is then placed over your prepared tooth. The dentist checks the fit and bite to ensure comfort and functionality. After any necessary adjustments, the crown is cemented into place. This last segment of the procedure usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes.

Get your dental crown at Center for Dentofacial Aesthetics

As we've illustrated, the dental crown procedure using the E4D Dentist system is swift, precise, and can be accomplished in a single visit. Although the technology aids in drastically reducing the time it takes to place a dental crown on a tooth, it does not compromise the quality or aesthetics of the final results.

If you need a crown, our restorative dentistry team at the Center for Dentofacial Aesthetics in Annandale, VA, is ready to repair your beautiful smile in a matter of hours. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harshit Aggarwal today and experience the efficiency and comfort of modern dentistry firsthand.