Crown (porcelain or ceramic, zirconia, gold)
A typical case, in 5 steps over 2 visits. Typically 2 to 3 weeks from first visit to the final crown. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Crown (porcelain or ceramic, zirconia, gold) · Visit 1
Numbing
The tooth and the gum around it are numbed with a local anesthetic so the work is comfortable.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Numbing
The tooth and the gum around it are numbed with a local anesthetic so the work is comfortable.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Rebuilding and shaping the tooth
Missing parts of the tooth may be rebuilt with a filling material. Then some of the outer tooth is shaped away on every side so a crown can fit over it.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Scan or impression
A small camera wand scans the shaped tooth and the teeth around it, or a putty impression is taken instead. The crown is made from this record.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Temporary crown
A temporary crown protects the tooth while a dental lab makes the permanent one, usually in two to three weeks. Some offices make the crown in the office and place it the same day.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Permanent crown cemented
The temporary comes off. The permanent crown is bonded to the tooth with a strong dental cement.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically 2 visits, or 1 visit when the crown is made in the office. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically 2 to 3 weeks from first visit to the final crown. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically lasts 5 to 15 years. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: brushing twice a day, daily flossing and regular cleanings and exams. Source 1 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D2740, D2750, D2790).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Dental crowns. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns. Accessed November 6, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D2740, D2750, D2790.