I've got oodles. Usual thing is they file the tooth down, take an impression and put a temporary cap on it for a week while they make a proper one, then you go back and have it put on. Not specially painful, depending on how much drilling it takes to remove the original. You can also get cerec crowns which are done by computer - he photographs the shape digitally, feeds it into the computer and it's prepared instantly (well, half an hour). Very straightforward but not on the NHS.
I`m not being cruel, just honest, I remember a few years ago when I was having my tooth drilled, the drill was taking ages to get through my tooth and I could feel him pushing it harder on my tooth, then all of a sudden .....
Ive had a couple done, no worries, filing and drilling the tooth is not painful as it doesn't go deep into the pulp and there is no feeling in the top or outer layers of the tooth anyway. When one of mine got broken, I had it re-drilled and refitted without any injections and didn't feel a thing.
I had bad phobia about the dentist and didn't go for nearly 20 years - I went after the birth of my son, while it was free and thought that it can't be as bad as a 36 hour labour! - I then needed one filling! I have since had a crown fitted after some root canal treatment, and I can honestly say that I didn't feel anything - The only thing I would recommend, is taking some lip salve or something with you, because having your mouth open for that long usually dries your lips out - well it does me anyway. Good luck!
Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. RATTER15 that link was very helpful cheers. Annie0000, never mind the dry lips, I thought he was going to break my jaw! lol