From Toothache to Crown: A Step-by-Step Look at the Dental Crown Procedure

If you’ve ever had a persistent toothache or a severely damaged tooth, your dentist may have recommended a dental crown as part of your treatment. While the idea of getting a crown might sound intimidating at first, the process is straightforward, effective, and—most importantly—can restore both the function and appearance of your tooth.

At King and Weston Dental, we understand that informed patients feel more confident about their dental care. So let’s take a closer look at how a toothache can lead to a dental crown—and exactly what happens at each step of the procedure.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often recommended when a tooth is:

• Cracked or broken
• Severely decayed
• Heavily filled and structurally weak
• Treated with a root canal
• Misshaped or discolored

Crowns are made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, or a combination. At King and Weston Dental, we help you choose the best option for durability, aesthetics, and comfort.

Step 1: Identifying the Problem (The Toothache)

It all begins with a symptom—often a toothache. Whether you’re experiencing sensitivity, discomfort when chewing, or sudden pain, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. During your appointment, we perform a thorough examination using:

• Digital X-rays to assess the root and surrounding bone
• Visual and tactile inspection to check for cracks, decay, or damage

If the tooth is too weak for a regular filling but doesn’t require extraction, a crown is typically the ideal solution.

Step 2: Preparing the Tooth

Once we determine that a crown is needed, the next step is tooth preparation. Under local anesthesia, we gently shape the affected tooth by removing any decay or damaged portions. This ensures a clean, solid base for the crown and creates enough space for it to fit comfortably and securely.

If the tooth has suffered extensive damage, we may also build it up with a core material to provide a solid foundation for the crown.

Step 3: Impressions and Color Matching

After shaping the tooth, we take digital or physical impressions of your mouth. These impressions capture every detail and are sent to a dental lab where your custom crown is fabricated. At this stage, we also select a shade that closely matches the color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless, aesthetic result.

In some cases, we may use in-office CAD/CAM technology to create and place the crown in a single visit. Otherwise, the crown will be ready in about 1–2 weeks.

Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement

While your permanent crown is being crafted, we place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. This temporary crown allows you to eat and speak normally while keeping the prepared tooth safe from sensitivity or further damage.

We’ll provide simple care instructions, such as avoiding sticky or hard foods and being gentle when brushing around the area.

Step 5: Final Crown Placement

When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to King and Weston Dental for the final placement. We begin by removing the temporary crown and checking the fit, shape, and color of the new crown. Any minor adjustments are made to ensure a perfect bite and natural look.

Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is cemented permanently into place. You’ll walk out of the office with a fully restored tooth—both in function and appearance.

Step 6: Aftercare and Longevity

A dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. To care for your new crown:

• Brush and floss daily
• Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or fingernails
• Visit us for regular cleanings and exams
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth

Your crown will feel and function like a natural tooth, giving you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile with ease.

Why Choose King and Weston Dental for Your Crown?

We know that every patient and every tooth is unique. That’s why we offer personalized care, advanced digital imaging, and high-quality materials to ensure that your crown is both durable and natural-looking.

Whether you’re coming in with a toothache or know you need a crown, our experienced team is here to guide you comfortably through every step. At King and Weston Dental, restoring your oral health and your confidence is our top priority.

Book your consultation today and take the first step from toothache to total restoration—with expert care you can trust.