Dental crown guide: before, during, and aftercare

A dental crown (sometimes called a “cap”) is a very common treatment to protect a weakened tooth, restore its shape, and get comfortable chewing back. Still, it’s normal to arrive with questions: Does it hurt? How long will it take? Will I need two visits? What should I do afterward?

This guide walks you through the process in a practical way: how to prepare, what usually happens during the appointment, and how to care for a temporary or permanent crown to avoid discomfort and setbacks.

Before the appointment: set yourself up to feel calm

Eat beforehand and plan your time

Local anesthesia can leave your cheek and tongue numb for hours. Eating beforehand helps you avoid being hungry afterward and lowers the risk of biting yourself without noticing.

Also ask how long your visit will take. Crown preparation often takes 1 to 2 hours, but it depends on the tooth and the technique. One key detail: some offices make the crown the same day (using a scanner and CAD/CAM), so you leave with your permanent crown in one visit. Other offices send the case to a lab, which usually means two visits: one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown, and another to cement the final crown.

Bring (or request) comfort extras

If you struggle to keep your mouth open or you have neck/back discomfort, go in with a plan:

• Ask for a bite block if they have one; it helps your jaw relax during longer appointments.
• Bring lip balm: air and retractors can dry your lips.
• If noise bothers you, ask whether you can wear headphones.
• If you feel anxious, agree on a simple signal to request short breaks.

Handle payment and scheduling before you’re numb

If you tend to feel rushed or nervous afterward, consider paying and scheduling follow-ups before you’re taken back. It’s a small move that reduces stress when you’re finished.

During the appointment: what to expect step by step

1) Numbing: the anticipation is often worse than the shot

Many people fear the injection, but teams commonly apply a topical numbing gel first to reduce discomfort. Once you’re numb, you shouldn’t feel pain, though pressure or vibration is normal.

2) Tooth preparation

The dentist shapes the tooth to create space for the crown and ensure a proper fit. This part often involves water, suction, and drilling sounds. If you feel overwhelmed, ask for a pause—it’s completely reasonable.

3) Impressions: scanner vs. traditional material

More and more offices use an intraoral scanner to capture the tooth and bite. Others use traditional impressions with putty-like material. If you have a strong gag reflex or you’re worried about that step, ask which method they’ll use so you can prepare.

4) A temporary crown (if you need two visits)

If the permanent crown is made by a lab, a temporary crown protects the tooth between visits. It’s helpful, but it’s also more fragile: sticky foods, hard bites, and certain habits can dislodge it.

5) Bite check and adjustments

Before you leave, the team checks that your crown (temporary or permanent) doesn’t feel “high.” A high bite can cause chewing pain or sensitivity. If your bite feels different, say so right away.

Afterward: care tips and warning signs

If you have a temporary crown

For the first few days, treat it as truly provisional:

• Avoid gum, sticky candies, and very chewy bread.
• Chew on the opposite side when possible.
• Brush normally, but be gentle around the gumline.
• When flossing, slide the floss out to the side instead of pulling straight up; this helps prevent dislodging the temporary.

If the temporary crown comes off, don’t panic. Save the piece and call your dental office as soon as possible. Don’t leave the prepared tooth exposed for many days.

If you already have your permanent crown

A permanent crown should feel like a regular tooth. Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure can happen for a short period.

Focus on these basics:

• Keep daily hygiene (brushing and interdental cleaning). A crown itself won’t “decay” like natural enamel, but the margin where it meets the tooth can develop cavities if plaque builds up.
• If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard. Bruxism increases the risk of cracks or cement failure.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools (opening packages, biting hard plastic, cutting thread).

When to call your dentist

Contact your dentist if you notice any of the following:

• Intense pain that doesn’t improve or gets worse when you bite.
• A clear “high bite” sensation (that tooth hits first).
• Swelling, persistent bad smell, or bleeding that doesn’t settle.
• A loose crown, movement, or visible cracks.

Practical tips to make it easier

• Go in with specific questions: one vs. two visits, scanner vs. impressions, and the exact care plan for your case.
• If you feel anxious, ask them to explain each step before doing it. Understanding what’s happening reduces stress.
• Plan soft foods afterward (while you’re numb) and avoid chewing until full sensation returns.

Conclusion

A crown appointment is often more routine than it sounds: local anesthesia, tooth preparation, bite records, and—depending on the office—either a same-day crown or a temporary crown until the final placement. If you eat beforehand, ask for comfort adjustments, and follow simple aftercare (especially with a temporary), you greatly reduce discomfort and surprises.