Expect the process of getting a crown to last over two visits. During the 1st visit, there will be imaging and a thorough exam. The dentist will also prep the tooth with filing to get it to a specific shape. If the tooth has any decay, the dentist will also remove it as well. Then impressions and a bite model are taken for the lab to create the permanent crown. At this point, the dentist places a temporary crown. At the second visit weeks later, your dentist will fuse and bond the permanent crown on top of the tooth.