Crowns

Also known as a cap, a crown is like a helmet for a tooth that protects it from breaking. It also restores the form and function of a tooth that has badly broken down due to decay or trauma.

The most common reasons why a tooth needs a crown are:

  • After a root canal treatment. This is because most often, the tooth needing root canal treatment will have been significantly damaged by decay or fracture. Thus reinforcement with a crown is necessary for the long-term survival of the tooth.
  • There is a fracture in the tooth due to the forces of chewing and grinding.
  • The tooth has a history of large and/or multiple fillings and is now very weak.
Crowns
Wisdom tooth removal

The process of getting a dental crown typically involves several steps. First the dentist will prepare and reshape the damaged tooth. They will then take an impression or a 3D scan of the tooth which is sent to a dental laboratory.

A trained dental technician will create a custom-made crown that fits precisely over the prepared tooth. While the permanent crown is being made, the dentist may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown onto the prepared tooth using a special adhesive.

With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years. It is important to brush and floss regularly to prevent decay or damage to the tooth underneath the crown. Overall, dental crowns are a common and effective way to restore, reinforce and add life to damaged teeth that may otherwise need to be extracted.

FAQ

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, and the choice of material depends on several factors such as the location of the tooth, the amount of damage, and the patient’s preferences. The most common materials used to make dental crowns are ceramic or metal, or a combination of both.

Ceramic crowns are designed to match the color and texture of natural teeth. These crowns are ideal for restoring front teeth that are visible when you smile. For back teeth very often, a material called Zirconia Oxide is used. It is extremely durable and suited to resist the high forces produced chewing and grinding.

Metal crowns, on the other hand, are made from materials such as gold or other types of metal alloys. These crowns are highly durable and can withstand the pressure of chewing and biting. However, metal crowns are not aesthetically pleasing, and they are more commonly used for restoring back teeth where appearance is less of a concern.

In some cases, a combination of porcelain and metal may be used to make a dental crown. These crowns are known as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns and are popular because they offer a balance of durability and aesthetics. The metal provides strength and support while the porcelain provides a natural-looking appearance.

Ultimately, the choice of material for a dental crown depends on the patient’s individual needs and preferences, and your dentist can help you choose the best material for your specific situation.

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the material used.

In general they are a lot more expensive than regular fillings and restorations. The time taken, skills required and the need for a laboratory to fabricate the crown all contributes to this higher price.

However, dental crowns are expected to last longer and be more aesthetically pleasing than a regular filling. Please refer to the Pricing webpage to see the expected price range.

You should brush and floss regularly to prevent decay or damage to the tooth underneath the crown. The most important part to clean is where the crown meets the tooth, usually at the gumline.

If you have a grinding habit, a grinding guard (occlusal splint) should be worn to prevent any possible further damage.

Avoid hard or sticky foods. Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, as well as sticky foods, as they can damage the crown or cause it to become dislodged.

Ask our dental professionals for advice

Contact Us