Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over teeth to preserve their strength, appearance and function, especially when they have experienced damage or decay. Having a crown placed sounds like a big deal, but it’s actually a very common and painless procedure. Here’s how and why dental crowns are placed.
When do you need a crown?
Crowns are a recommended solution for patients who have cracked, broken or severely worn down teeth. When a tooth is weakened, it is susceptible to further damage and may end up needing more extensive treatment. Crowns help to hold the tooth together and avoid any further issues.
We also use crowns for teeth after a root canal, or those that have previously had very large fillings. If a tooth is made up largely of filling material and has little natural tooth left, it’s at a high risk of cracking or breaking. Placing a crown is a more cost-effective measure, supporting the tooth for a long time and avoiding expensive procedures.
Crowns are not only a practical solution but can also be a cosmetic treatment too. Teeth that are severely discoloured, misshapen or poorly aligned can also benefit from the enhancement of a dental crown.
Step-by-step dental crown procedure
Placing a dental crown can typically be completed in two visits, with the following steps.
1. Consultation
We take x-rays and a detailed dental exam, where we check the health of your tooth. The tooth needs to be healthy enough for a crown and free from infection. Any infection or decay will need to be removed first.
2. Tooth Prep
If a crown is the right treatment, we prepare the tooth to be crowned by removing any pieces of decay. In many cases, the tooth is slightly reshaped so that it will better support and fit a crown. When the tooth is prepared, we take impressions or scans of it. This ensures the permanent crown is fabricated to its exact dimensions and made to fit perfectly within the mouth.
3. Temporary Crown
While the final crown is being prepared, patients will often be asked to wear a temporary crown, which is designed to protect the prepared tooth from any damage. The temporary crown is usually made from resin or acrylic, and is less durable than the finished product. We recommend avoiding any sticky or hard foods during this phase, which could dislodge the temporary crown and cause issues.
4. Final Crown
Once the permanent crown has been fabricated, we fit it onto your tooth to check the alignment of your bite and that it feels comfortable in your mouth. If everything is ok, we then use special dental cement to secure it in place.
Dental crown aftercare
After your crown procedure, you can expect to feel some sensitivity and discomfort, though this is likely to fade quickly. For the first few days, patients should avoid eating hard, crunchy or chewy foods, which carry the risk of dislodging or affecting the crown’s bonding. Returning to your regular oral hygiene practices will also ensure it lasts. You should treat the crown just like your other teeth.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We also provide detailed instructions after your procedure to help you understand how best to look after your crown.
How long does a dental crown last?
Your dental crown should last for around 10-15 years with proper care, but its durability will depend on how well you look after your teeth, and the material the crown is made from. We use porcelain or zirconia to fabricate our crowns to ensure they have the most durability, and match the look of your natural teeth.
Signs you might need to replace your crown include visible wear and damage, like chips or cracks, and increased pain or sensitivity. It’s also important to visit your dentist for a check if your crown becomes loose or if it falls out completely.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Getting a dental crown is typically a painless procedure, thanks to the use of local anaesthesia. You might still feel some pressure around the area, but it should not be a painful experience. After the procedure, you can expect some mild sensitivity as the anaesthesia fades, and some discomfort while you wear a temporary crown, but these feelings shouldn’t last for too long. You can manage them using over-the-counter pain medication.
How much does a crown cost?
The cost of a dental crown will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the location of the tooth that needs the crown, and the material being used. Crowns on front teeth can be cheaper than crowns on teeth at the back of the mouth, as they require a less complex procedure but sometimes they cost more depending on the colour matching process or the cosmetic requirements like matching the adjacent teeth. At Oakleigh, our crown treatments start from $1900.
Are crowns covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of dental crowns for most people, as the scheme only covers more basic dental care.
Are crowns covered by insurance?
This will depend on the type of cover you have! If you do have extras cover with major dental services included, your insurance may cover some or all of the cost of your crown procedure. It’s important to check with your insurance provider before committing to any treatment to check whether they will cover any costs.
Protected from dental damage
Supporting your tooth with a crown can give you important security and safety. If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns or organising an appointment, please get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to help you.
