Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that dentists place over a damaged or decayed tooth. It covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Dental crowns serve several purposes:

• Protect: They safeguard weakened teeth from further damage.
• Restore: Crowns improve the appearance of chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth.
• Strengthen: Crowns provide support and stability for teeth after root canal treatment.

Understanding the difference between temporary and permanent crowns is essential for managing expectations during your dental crown procedure.

Temporary crowns, as their name suggests, are a short-term solution used between your initial appointment and the placement of your permanent crown. They serve several vital functions:

• Protection: They safeguard the prepared tooth from sensitivity and bacteria.
• Functionality: Temporary crowns allow you to chew and speak relatively normally.
• Aesthetics: They provide a temporary visual improvement until the permanent crown is ready.

Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic or stainless steel and are designed for short-term wear. They are cemented with a temporary cement that allows for easy removal when your permanent crown is ready.

Permanent crowns are custom-made, durable restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. They are designed to provide long-lasting functionality and aesthetics. Key differences between permanent and temporary crowns include:

• Durability: Permanent crowns are significantly stronger and more durable than their temporary counterparts.
• Material: Permanent crowns offer a wider range of material options, allowing for a better match to your natural teeth and specific needs.
• Fit: Permanent crowns are fabricated using precise impressions of your teeth, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Longevity: With proper care, permanent crowns can last for many years, even decades.

While dental crowns are a versatile restorative option, they are not suitable for everyone. You might be a good candidate for a dental crown if you:

• Have a significantly decayed tooth: When a filling is no longer sufficient to restore a tooth weakened by decay, a crown provides comprehensive protection and support.
• Have a cracked or fractured tooth: Crowns hold together the pieces of a damaged tooth, preventing further breakage and restoring its function.
• Have undergone root canal therapy: A tooth that has had a root canal is more fragile and susceptible to fracture. A crown reinforces the tooth, reducing the risk of future problems.
• Need to cover a dental implant: Crowns are commonly used to provide a natural-looking and functional replacement for a missing tooth after implant placement.
• Wish to improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth: Crowns offer a cosmetic solution for teeth that are severely stained, chipped, or poorly shaped.

Getting a dental crown is typically a straightforward process that involves two main appointments. Here’s a detailed outline of what you can expect:

1. Examination and Consultation: Your dentist will examine your tooth, possibly taking X-rays to assess its overall health and the extent of damage or decay. They will discuss your needs, preferences, and recommend the most suitable type of crown material.
2. Numbing and Tooth Preparation: Before starting any procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. Once numb, they will carefully reshape the tooth, removing a small amount of enamel to create adequate space for the crown to fit comfortably over it.
3. Impressions: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where your custom crown will be fabricated.
4. Temporary Crown Placement: While you wait for your permanent crown to be made (usually 1-2 weeks), your dentist will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth. This temporary crown protects the tooth and restores some functionality while the permanent one is being crafted.

• Temporary Crown Removal: Your dentist will gently remove the temporary crown, ensuring the prepared tooth is ready for the permanent crown.
• Permanent Crown Fitting and Adjustment: The dentist will carefully place the permanent crown onto your prepared tooth, checking its fit, bite alignment, and overall appearance. They will make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort.
• Cementation: Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the fit and appearance, the permanent crown will be bonded securely to your prepared tooth using a strong dental cement.

The average cost of a dental crown in Australia can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. Several factors influence the final price, including the type of crown material, the complexity of the procedure, and the dentist’s fees.