What to Expect During Your First Dental Crown Appointment

Heather E. Martinson, DDS • June 17, 2025

You are biting into a sandwich and crack. A chunk of your molar disappears like a magician's trick gone wrong. Fast forward a week, and you are staring at the calendar: Dental crown appointment, 2:30 PM. If your mind jumps to medieval headgear or something worthy of a Game of Thrones finale, you are not alone.

But here is the real story: your first dental crown appointment is not a nerve-wracking ordeal; it is a precision-focused pit stop for your tooth's long-term performance.

Let us go through what to expect for your tooth crown procedure.

The Consultation and Evaluation

Before any drilling, molding, or fitting begins, your crown journey starts with a thorough consultation. This initial visit is primarily focused on diagnosing the issue and determining whether a crown is the most suitable solution. Your local dentist will ask about your symptoms, whether you are experiencing sensitivity, pain when biting, or visible damage to the tooth.

From there, they will take X-rays or digital scans to get a detailed look beneath the surface. These images help assess not only the damaged tooth but also the surrounding bone and nerves, ensuring there is no hidden infection or structural issue that could affect the treatment.

This phase is not just clinical; it is collaborative. You will discuss treatment options, learn about the purpose of a crown, and have the opportunity to ask questions about materials, procedures, or timing. Some patients come in expecting a quick fix, only to find out that the tooth requires additional work, such as a bridge.

Dental Procedure Steps: The Procedure Itself

The first visit to tooth restoration is where the majority of the hands-on work takes place. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, your dentist will carefully reshape the damaged tooth.

This step is crucial: the tooth needs to be trimmed down to make space for the crown to fit snugly and sit flush with your other teeth. If the tooth is severely worn or broken, a filling material may be added to build it up and ensure a stable base for the crown.

After shaping, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth. This can be done using traditional dental putty or a more modern digital scanner. These impressions are sent to a lab, where your custom crown is crafted to match the exact contours and color of your surrounding teeth.

In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect your prepared tooth and maintain function. It is usually made from acrylic or resin and is secured with temporary cement, allowing it to be easily removed later.

The second appointment is where things come together. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and test the fit and color of the permanent crown. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable.

Once everything checks out, the crown is permanently cemented in place. The final result should look and feel like a natural part of your smile, blending seamlessly into your bite and daily routine.

Aftercare and What Comes Next

Once your permanent crown is cemented into place, you will be able to return to normal eating and speaking almost immediately, but that does not mean your work is done.

For the first few days, it is common to feel some mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure, especially if the tooth was trimmed close to the nerve. This should fade quickly, but your dentist may recommend using sensitive toothpaste to ease the transition.

It is also worth paying attention to how your bite feels. If the crown feels too high or causes discomfort when chewing, do not wait; contact your dentist immediately. A quick adjustment can resolve the issue and prevent longer-term problems, such as jaw soreness or uneven wear on your other teeth.

Ongoing care is simple but essential. Brush your teeth twice a day and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss carefully around the crown, especially near the gumline, where plaque can build up.

Crowns themselves do not decay, but the tooth underneath still can, particularly at the margins where the crown meets your natural enamel. Returning to the dentist as requested will help monitor the crown's condition and catch any problems early.

With the proper care, your crown can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Your dentist may also give you a nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep, as nighttime pressure is one of the most common reasons crowns chip or fail prematurely.

Have the Right Dentist: Dental Treatment Guide

Not all dental experiences are created equal. When it comes to something as involved as a crown during your dentist consultation, having the right dentist can make a significant difference in both comfort and results.

A skilled and experienced dentist does not just fix the tooth; they walk you through the process, explain your options clearly, and help you feel confident about the decisions being made for your long-term oral health.

One crucial factor is the technology available at the practice. Some dentists offer same-day crowns. They will be able to pull off your crown in a single appointment with a temporary crown, no waiting period, and no second trip.

This option is ideal for busy patients or those who prefer to complete everything in one visit. Not every practice offers this, so if convenience is a priority, ask about in-house crown fabrication during your consultation.

The right dentist will also guide you through related restoration options, such as dental bridges. If you are missing a tooth entirely, a bridge supported by crowns on adjacent teeth might be recommended instead.

It is a more complex treatment plan, but a dentist who prioritizes precision and comfort can streamline the process, ensuring the bridge fits naturally and functions as it should.

Tooth Crown Procedure: Prepare Yourself Today

Going into a tooth crown procedure can be nerve-wracking. Now that you have some information, you will not have to stress as much going into things.

At Dr. Heather Martinson's Arlington practice, you are not just getting a crown; you are getting care built on 25 years of trust, precision, and a patient-first philosophy.

Our exceptional dental team utilizes the latest technology to ensure your visit is smooth, comfortable, and efficient. Whether you are here for a second opinion or starting fresh, we will ensure you understand each step and feel confident in your smile.

Request your appointment online to experience conservative, expert-driven care that puts your comfort first.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.