Several steps are involved and generally, two dental visits are needed to complete the treatment:

1. The dental surgeon first removes any decay on the tooth and rebuilds the foundation (core) of the tooth. The tooth is then prepared by removing the outer layers of the tooth, so that there is space for the crown to fit.
2. An impression (mold) is then made to provide an accurate model for the crown fabrication.
3. A temporary (provisional) crown is made and cemented to protect the prepared tooth.
4. The laboratory receives the impression (mold) and the technician will fabricate the crown. Several types of materials can be chosen – metal alloys, ceramics, composite resin or combinations of these materials can be blended. The type of material chosen must be appropriate to the clinical situation that led to the crown procedure being indicated for.
5. When the new crown is ready, the dental surgeon will then remove the temporary crown, and make necessary adjustments to fit the new crown to the tooth and finally cement it in place.

For the crown to last as long as possible, regular recare visits and professional teeth cleanings need to be scheduled.