A dental crown procedure typically takes at least two appointments. During the first appoint, the dentist prepares the tooth for the crown. This can include removing decay, removing part of the tooth, or, if the tooth is weak, building up the core of the tooth, often with a metal post. The dentist will then make a mold of the tooth and surrounding teeth that is sent off to a dental lab that will make the crown. At this point, your dentist will put a temporary crown in place until the permanent crown is ready.
For the second appointment, you will return for the permanent crown. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and put the permanent crown in place. He will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to the crown before bonding it in place.