Crowns

Crowns are needed when a large amount of tooth structure has been damaged by trauma or decay. They are made of full porcelain or porcelain over metal, and cover the entire tooth surface.

With advances in materials and techniques, crowns can give you the strength, beauty and translucency of a natural tooth.

Procedure:

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown. On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, and cement the final crown.

Indications:

Many people have unexplained pain from heavily restored posterior teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth typically relieves the pain.

In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and can be unaesthetic due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions on Crowns

1. Why do some crowns have a dark metal edging to them?

   In the past, metal was the main material used to make crowns and this often shows through, creating a dark edge. With advances in dental materials, modern day crowns made of high quality porcelain, which merge with the tooth without any obvious signs. Our highly-trained in-house ceramists are able to create crowns that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

2. Why can't I just have a veneer or a filling instead of a crown?

   Veneers only cover the front of the tooth. If a tooth has part of its structure damaged or weakened by decay or fracture, crowns are the best treatment options as they can restore teeth to their normal shape and size. If a tooth is cracked, the crown holds the tooth together, but in cases where a tooth is severely damaged, the tooth is unable to support fillings.

3. What is the success rate of this procedure?

   It is around 85% over a period of 10 years.

4. How often do I need to replace the crown?

   Unless it is chipped or fractured, with proper maintenance crowns typically last a long time.

5. How soon after having the permanent crown has been attached will I be able to resume normal eating?

   Normal eating can be resumed almost immediately, following surgery.

6. What about hygiene standards at T32 Dental Centre?

   We understand the concern for personal safety. T32 Dental Centre uses autoclave sterilisation and disposable/non-contamination techniques to ensure the highest hygiene standards are met.

7. Does the procedure hurt?

   Local anaesthesia is used to numb the gum before we start work on the tooth. This should minimise painful sensations.

8. What is the cost of this procedure?

   At T32 our approach is to customise treatments for each individual person. We believe that, by doing this, we are able to ensure maximum value for patients as they are charged only for the treatments they need and not for general dental packages, that may include treatments or services not needed. So the cost will very much depend on each specific patient's programme.