Thank you for your question, I understand your concerns. I want to reassure you that it is a process that is fairly simple and can be painless for you. First, you and your dentist work together as a team to decide what your goals are. Once you and your dentist both agree on the look, shape, color, and type of porcelain (for front teeth) for your crown the process can begin. Usually pictures are taken of your face, smile, and teeth in order to achieve the best cosmetic results. Then an impression is taken of your teeth so that your dentist and the lab technician can have a model of your teeth. Once you and your dentist are ready to begin, whichever teeth in question will be prepared by the dentist so that they are ready for a crown. When your dentist is happy with how the teeth are prepared (all the decayed tooth structure is gone, tooth is now clean and has healthy structure, proper measurements and refinements have been made) then your dentist will take a final impression. After this, your dentist makes a nice-looking temporary crown which usually stays in place for 1-2 weeks while your permanent crown is being fabricated. The timeline for the wait of the permanent crown depends on the technology your dentist or lab technician takes advantage of and can achieve differing results; some crowns can be made in a few days, while others can be done as fast as the same day. When your dentist has the final permanent crown or crowns ready, you will come in and your dentist will replace your temporary crown and deliver your permanent crown. Then your dentist will make sure you are happy with the aesthetics, make sure your bite is correct, and the fit is perfect. Once these steps have been accomplished, you are now good to go! And with good at-home care and oral hygiene, your crowns can last you a very long time.