How to Perform a Dental Crown Restoration

Learn the step-by-step clinical process for preparing a compromised tooth and placing a temporary and final dental crown restoration.

July 17, 2026 By Ellaura

This guide explains the step-by-step process of restoring a compromised tooth using a dental crown. By following this procedure, clinicians can rebuild the tooth to its optimal anatomical shape, strength, and function.

This procedure applies to dental professionals and patients involved in restorative dentistry. It is utilized during clinical workflows to treat severely decayed or structurally damaged teeth over multiple appointments.

When a tooth's structure is compromised, a crown rebuilds it to optimal shape and function. Crowns can be constructed from metal, ceramic, or ceramic covering a metal base.

The process of getting a crown typically requires multiple appointments. The initial visit focuses on preparation and temporary placement, while a subsequent visit is reserved for cementing the final restoration.

First Appointment: Preparation and Temporary Crown

Step #1: Take an initial impression or mold of the lower teeth to help create a temporary crown for the damaged tooth. — Take an initial impression or mold of the lower teeth to help create a temporary crown for the damaged tooth.

Step #2: Prepare the tooth for the crown by shaping it with a high-speed handpiece to make room for the new restoration. — Prepare the tooth for the crown by shaping it with a high-speed handpiece to make room for the new restoration.

Step #3: Take a second impression of the newly prepared tooth to capture its exact anatomy for the dental laboratory. — Take a second impression of the newly prepared tooth to capture its exact anatomy for the dental laboratory.

4

Apply the temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the final restoration is being expertly constructed.

Second Appointment: Final Restoration

At a subsequent appointment, the laboratory will have completed the final crown.

5

Remove the temporary crown and permanently bond the final restoration into place.

Once the permanent crown is secured, the tooth is fully restored to its ideal shape and function.

Q: What materials are dental crowns made from?

A: Crowns can be manufactured from metal, ceramic, or a combination of ceramic layered over a metal base depending on functional and aesthetic needs.

Q: How many appointments are needed to complete a crown procedure?

A: The procedure typically requires multiple appointments. The first visit involves tooth preparation and placing a temporary crown, while the final restoration is delivered and seated during a subsequent visit.

Term	Definition
Dental impression	A mold or imprint of the teeth used to capture their exact anatomical geometry for fabricating restorations.
Temporary crown	A short-term protective covering placed over a prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated by a dental laboratory.
Restoration	A dental treatment, such as a crown, designed to rebuild the structural integrity, shape, and function of a compromised tooth.