Tooth Crowns (also called ‘tooth caps’) are an affordable and easy way to complete your smile. They are used to restore and protect a damaged tooth by completely surrounding it. Crowns can help to improve your overall oral health and enhance your full smile. Read on to learn more!
Crowns are a full-coverage restoration that replaces missing tooth structure and recreates the aesthetics of a healthy natural tooth. A crown is usually made of porcelain or ceramic material however, your dentist may recommend a gold crown for posterior teeth, where enhanced strength and durability may be required due to the additional pressure on these teeth.
There are two types of dental crowns; Definitive and temporary.
Temporary crowns are, as the name suggests, a temporary covering used to protect the tooth. They are only intended to be worn for a few weeks and are usually used while you wait to receive your definitive crown. Temporary crowns are made of an inexpensive material (like plastic or metal) so they can be easily removed.
Definitive crowns are designed as a permanent solution to protect your teeth for years and are custom fit to your teeth. Definitive crowns are made from materials including porcelain, gold, stainless steel, or ceramic. With proper care and maintenance, your crowns should last you at least 10 years.
There are a few reasons why you may need a crown:
Your dentist will discuss all dental treatment options available to you and will help decide what is best for you.
Usually requires at least 3 appointments:
Further appointments may be needed to review the crown and it will be checked at your regular dental check-ups.
The preparation appointment will last approximately 60 mins, and the fitting appointment will usually last 30-45 mins. However, this depends on the complexity of the case.
No special preparation is needed for your dental crown appointment, just you and your smile!
Once your crowns have been fitted, avoid drinking hot liquids and hard foods for the first few hours. Your dentist will recommend the best post-procedure care to avoid any problems.
For temporary crowns,
If your temporary crown falls out or comes loose, contact your dentist to have it fixed as soon as possible.
Maintaining good oral hygiene will extend the life of your crowns. We recommend flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting your dentist and hygienist.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified health practitioner
The cost of a crown can vary depending on the material of the crown and the type of procedure. Your dentist will recommend a treatment option best suited to you and give you an estimate of the price and payment options during your consultation visit.
Getting a crown should be a relatively painless procedure, usually with local anaesthetic, however, you might feel some discomfort after the procedure as your mouth adjusts to the crown. For the fitting process of getting your crown, you will be given an anaesthetic to numb your mouth. Your dentist can explain the process and ease any concerns you may have about experiencing pain during your procedure.
The life span of your crowns will depend on many factors including your dental hygiene routine and how well you look after your mouth. We recommend regular dental check-ups and clean appointments to take the best care of your crowns.