SDS logo

The Dental Crown Procedure Explained Step by Step

Dec 20, 2025
Dental Crown

If you have a cracked, worn, or badly decayed tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. For many people, hearing they need a crown raises questions. How much of the tooth is removed? Does it hurt? How many visits does it take?

At Schaumburg Dental Studio, dental crowns in Schaumburg, IL, are a routine, patient-centered procedure that restores both function and appearance. With options like same-day CEREC crowns and custom porcelain restorations, you can often repair a tooth in a single, comfortable visit.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to the Schaumburg dental crown procedure, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.


Step 1: Comprehensive exam and consultation

Every Schaumburg tooth crown treatment starts with a thorough exam. Your dentist will:

  • Review your medical and dental history
  • Take digital X rays or 3D images of the tooth
  • Check your bite and the surrounding gums
  • Look for cracks, deep cavities, old fillings, or previous root canal treatment

The goal is to confirm that a crown is the best option for you rather than a simple filling, inlay, or another type of Schaumburg, IL dental restoration. In some cases, a crown is recommended after root canal therapy or to restore a dental implant, since it provides strength and a natural looking finish.

During this visit, you can ask questions about materials, cost ranges, and cosmetic goals. If you are interested in Schaumburg cosmetic dental crowns, your dentist will review shade options and how the final crown will blend with your smile.


Step 2: Treatment planning and crown selection

Next, your dentist will design a plan tailored to your specific needs. This includes choosing:

  • Crown material
    • Porcelain or ceramic for a natural, tooth colored look
    • Zirconia for extra strength and durability
    • Porcelain fused to metal in select cases for added support
  • Tooth shade and translucency, especially for front teeth
  • Whether a traditional lab-made crown or a same-day CEREC crown is best for your situation

At Schaumburg Dental Studio, the focus is on strong, natural-looking crowns that meet both functional and cosmetic needs.


Step 3: Numbing and tooth preparation

Once you are comfortable and your questions are answered, the crown procedure begins. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding area so you do not feel pain, only gentle pressure.

The dentist then carefully reshapes the tooth:

  • Removes damaged or decayed areas
  • Reduces the outer surface of the tooth so the crown can fit over it
  • Builds up areas with filling material if the tooth is broken or worn down

This preparation stage makes room for your crown and creates a solid foundation. The amount of tooth removed depends on the material and the condition of the tooth. The goal is to preserve as much healthy structure as possible while ensuring long-term strength.


Step 4: Digital impressions or molds

After the tooth is shaped, your dentist takes an impression of your bite. At Schaumburg Dental Studio, this often involves comfortable digital scanning rather than traditional trays filled with impression material.

These digital images or molds capture:

  • The prepared tooth
  • Neighboring teeth
  • Your overall bite pattern

This detailed information allows the dental lab or in-office CEREC system to design a crown that fits precisely and looks completely natural.


Step 5: Temporary crown or same-day CEREC crown

What happens next depends on the type of Schaumburg dental crown procedure you receive.


Traditional lab-made crown

If your crown is made in a dental lab:

  • A temporary crown is placed over your prepared tooth
  • The temporary protects the tooth, helps you chew, and maintains your smile while the lab creates your permanent crown
  • You will be instructed to avoid sticky or hard foods on that side and to brush and floss gently around the temporary

You will return in about two weeks for placement of your permanent crown.


Same-day CEREC crown

If you qualify for a CEREC same-day crown, the process is faster:

  • Your digital scan is sent to the in-office milling machine
  • Using high-quality ceramic blocks, the system designs and creates your crown in a single visit
  • The dentist fine-tunes the shape and polish, so it blends beautifully with your natural teeth

Patients love this option because it eliminates the need for a temporary crown and a second appointment, while still delivering a strong, aesthetically pleasing Schaumburg tooth crown treatment.


Step 6: Fitting and adjusting your permanent crown

When your permanent crown is ready, your dentist will:

  1. Remove the temporary (if you had one)
  2. Clean the prepared tooth
  3. Place the new crown over the tooth and check the fit

They will evaluate:

  • Shape and size compared to your other teeth
  • Color match with surrounding enamel
  • How your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite

Small adjustments are made so that your bite feels comfortable and the crown looks natural from every angle. This attention to detail is part of what patients appreciate at practices that are considered among the best dentists for dental crowns in Schaumburg.


Step 7: Cementing the crown in place

Once everything looks and feels right, the crown is permanently bonded.

  • A strong dental cement is applied inside the crown
  • The crown is positioned over your tooth
  • Gentle pressure is used as the cement sets
  • Excess cement is cleaned away and the bite is checked one more time

After this step, your new crown becomes a permanent part of your smile and functions like a natural tooth.


Step 8: Post-procedure care and recovery

Most patients return to normal activities quickly after their Schaumburg, IL, dental restoration. You may experience mild sensitivity or soreness around the tooth and gums for a few days, which usually improves on its own.

To protect your new crown:

  • Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, and very sticky foods
  • Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Floss daily, sliding the floss gently around the crown
  • Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth

With proper care and regular checkups, today’s crowns can last many years and continue to look and feel great.


When to consider a dental crown in Schaumburg, IL

You might need a crown if you have:

  • A cracked or fractured tooth
  • A tooth with a large, failing filling
  • A tooth that has had root canal treatment
  • Severe wear from grinding or clenching
  • A dental implant that needs a natural-looking top
  • A misshapen or discolored tooth that affects your smile

In many of these situations, Schaumburg cosmetic dental crowns not only restore strength but also dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth.


Why choose Schaumburg Dental Studio for your crown treatment

Schaumburg Dental Studio combines advanced technology with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. The team offers:

  • Same-day CEREC crowns for many cases
  • A wide selection of high-quality materials
  • Careful shade matching for natural results
  • Comprehensive cosmetic and restorative options in one convenient location

If you are searching for the best dentist for dental crowns in Schaumburg, it helps to choose a practice that regularly performs crown procedures and uses modern tools and techniques to deliver long-lasting, comfortable results.


Ready to restore your tooth with a crown?

If you have a damaged tooth or have been told you need a crown, you do not have to guess what comes next. The dental crown procedure is a predictable, comfortable way to protect your tooth and restore your smile.

To learn more about dental crowns in Schaumburg, IL or to schedule a personalized Schaumburg dental crown procedure consultation, contact Schaumburg Dental Studio today. The friendly team will review your options for Schaumburg tooth crown treatment, answer all your questions, and help you choose the right Schaumburg, IL dental restoration for your health, comfort, and confidence.

background

Find Us & Get in Touch

Get Directions

Contact Us

Our staff is happy to hear from you! Fill out our simple form to schedule your next visit and experience exceptional dental care in Schaumburg.

Time icon

Monday: Closed

Tuesday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Schedule Your Visit!
Name*
Phone Number*
Email*
Message*
I consent to this website storing my submission in order to respond to my inquiry.