Preparing a tooth requires two visits to the dentist, the first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second involves placement of the permanent crown.

At the first visit, the dentist may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the prosthesis (crown or bridge) and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment maybe performed first.

Then, the tooth is prepared (trimmed down) along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the prosthesis. The amount removed depends on the type of prosthesis : metal, metal fused to porcelain or all-porcelain.

Once the preparation is done, dentist will take impressions of the teeth in the upper as well as lower jaw, to make sure that the prosthesis doesn’t affect your bite. The impressions are then sent to a laboratory where the prosthesis is manufactured and on the second visit, the crown or bridge is permanently cemented into place.

The life span depends on the amount of ‘wear and tear’ it is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (avoid habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting on hard & sticky foods like nuts and candy, using your teeth to open packaging and smoking or chewing tobacco.)

Also if there is a problem with your prosthesis like  1. Chipping of Porcelain (small can be repaired with composite resin, if extensive then the prosthesis has to be replaced)

2. Loose Prosthesis or it Falls Off (sometimes the cement washes out from under the prosthesis or there is an improper fit, which allows the bacteria to leak in and cause decay to the tooth) ; then contact your dentist to get it repaired, re-cemented or get a new prosthesis.

The prosthesis doesn’t require special care but remember, simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean that the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease, follow good oral care, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing or using an interdental brush around the crown area at least once a day.