A dental crown is a prosthetic device that is used to cover a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown is custom-made to fit over the damaged tooth like a cap, and it is cemented in place to protect the underlying tooth and prevent further damage.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the dental crown procedure:

• 1. Examination and preparation: The first step in the procedure is to examine the

tooth and determine the extent of the damage. The dentist will then prepare the tooth for the crown by removing any decayed or damaged parts of the tooth and shaping it to accommodate the crown.

• 2. Impression: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth using a dental putty or digital scanner. This impression will be used to create a custom-made crown that perfectly fits over the prepared tooth.

• 3. Temporary crown: While the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory, the dentist will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.

• 4. Fitting and adjustment: When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent crown over the prepared tooth. The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the crown fits perfectly and does not interfere with your bite.

• 5. Cementation: Once the dentist is satisfied with the fit of the crown, the crown will be permanently cemented in place.

• 6. Follow-up: After the crown is placed, the dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your new crown and schedule a follow-up appointment to check the fit and ensure that there are no issues with the crown. Overall, the dental crown procedure typically takes two appointments to complete, and the entire process usually takes a few weeks. However, with the use of modern technology, some dental offices can offer same-day crown placement using CAD/CAM technology.