A dental crown may not make you feel loyalty, but it is one of the premiere treatments for teeth with excessive decay or damage. Dental crowns can be also used to hold a dental bridge in place, cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, or cover a tooth after a root canal procedure. Made of either porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, or gold, dental crowns are placed during a multi-step process and sometimes require more than one dental visit. The first step is dental impression. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth while the impression is sent to an offsite laboratory to create the final restoration. In some cases, same-day crowns are possible, so be sure to inquire. With good oral hygiene and minimal wear and tear, your beautiful new dental crown can last up to 15 years.