Crowns are whole tooth restorations that completely surround damaged teeth or dental implants.
A crown is usually made of porcelain or gold. It’s a type of cap that’s used to rebuild and strengthen a weak or broken tooth.
Many people have crowns these days. They help to improve the appearance of your teeth, while also protecting and strengthening a damaged tooth.
What is it?
Crowns can be used to improve your smile by changing the shape and colour of your existing teeth. Getting a crown fitted can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth.
If you need a crown for a tooth at the front of your mouth, your dentist will usually match the existing colour of your teeth with a porcelain tooth. Sometimes people may choose a lighter colour for cosmetic reasons. For a back tooth you can have a porcelain crown however your dentist might recommend a gold crown due to its strength and durability. Your dentist will discuss all of the options available to you, because each case is unique.
Between the stages of preparing a tooth for a crown and placement of the final crown, a temporary crown is cemented onto your tooth to protect it.
Need to know
Appointments
- At least 2 appointments
- At the first consultation visit the dentist will talk to you about the procedure and prepare and take a record of your tooth
- At the second visit the crown will be fitted onto your tooth
- Further appointments may be needed to check the fit of the crown and make any adjustments
How long it takes
- The fitting of a crown will usually take around 30 to 45 minutes
You may be asked about
- Your dental history and medical history
- If you are experiencing any pain or problems
Before your appointment
- No special preparation needed
After your appointment
- Avoid drinking hot liquids and eating hard foods for the first few hours after the procedure
- If you’re experiencing tooth pain, discomfort or sensitivity you can take pain relief medication or try using anaesthetic gel or sensitive toothpaste
For temporary crowns
- You can continue to eat and brush your teeth as normal
- Don’t eat chewy or hard food
- Try to chew most food on the opposite side of the mouth while you have the temporary crown
- Avoid flossing next to the temporary crown
Quick tip
With good oral hygiene and care, crowns can last as long as 15 years. Take good care of your oral health by flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting the dentist and hygienist.
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Have questions?
The cost of a crown can vary, depending on which type of crown is placed and which material is used. Crowns are usually made of porcelain but in some cases your dentist may recommend an alternative material such as a gold crown because of its strength and durability. Your dentist will be able to give you an estimate at the consultation appointment once they have examined your teeth.
Our dental team will take care to make you feel as comfortable as possible while having a crown placed. After the procedure, sometimes people feel sensitivity with either the temporary or permanent crown. People may also experience some tenderness in the gums. The discomfort is usually mild and doesn’t last long.
On average a crown will last from 5 up to about 15 years. To increase the lifespan of your crown, you should take good care of your teeth with good hygiene and try to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth.
Getting a crown placed isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Your dentist will remove all decay and weak areas of the damaged tooth and take a record of the tooth. This is what they use to construct the crown. Between the stages of preparing a tooth for a crown and final placement of the crown, a temporary crown is cemented to protect the tooth.