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The tooth is prepared, or shaped by the dental drill. Enamel and some dentin is shaved from around the sides of the tooth and the top of the tooth resulting in a very specific shape. The patient will usually be anesthetized with local anesthetic ("novacaine") for this.
A temporary cap of plastic or metal is made to fit the tooth, so that the tooth will be covered between visits.
An impression is taken of the tooth with a small tray of rubber or silicone-like material. Steps 1-3 can frequently be accomplished in one visit.
The impression will go to a dental lab where it is poured. The crown is made to fit the poured model. This usually takes 1-3 weeks.
The patient returns to the dental office. The temporary cap is removed and the permanent cap is placed. It should be a tight fit on the tooth and cement is used to place it. The bite is adjusted.
The making of the crown at the lab is beyond the scope of this site. I can state that the basic ceramo-gold crown is made by placing and carving wax on the poured model of your tooth and it is cast in the lost-wax method. Porcelain is baked on the metal substructure. This is like having jewelry custom made for you, with alloys that are carefully tested and manufactured and a lab person who has the skill to dip a paintbrush in porcelain power and water, bake it in a tiny and very hot oven, and make it look like a tooth. This is not a small undertaking and it is custom work; it adds to the fee you pay your dentist.
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