Before and After Crowns on Teeth

Thinking about getting a dental crown? Maybe your dentist has recommended one, or perhaps you’re researching options to restore a damaged tooth. Whatever your reason, knowing exactly what happens before and after getting a dental crown can help you feel prepared and confident about the process.

Dental crowns are a common procedure in cosmetic dentistry, used to improve both the function and appearance of teeth.

In this guide, we’ll cover what dental crowns are, why dentists recommend them, and the detailed steps involved before and after getting a crown.

What Is a Dental Crown and Why Is It Used?

A dental crown, also known as a tooth crown, is a tooth-shaped cap made to fit precisely over your tooth. Crowns are designed to cover the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. They restore your tooth’s original shape, strength, function and appearance. 

Think of a dental crown as a protective helmet placed over your tooth.

People receive crowns for various reasons. Here are some of the most common:

• Large cavities or decay: When a tooth has extensive decay, such as in decayed teeth, a regular filling might not be sufficient. A crown covers and strengthens the tooth to prevent further damage and can help preserve teeth that might otherwise require removal.
• Broken or cracked teeth: Teeth damaged from accidents, trauma, heavy biting forces, or a fracture benefit greatly from the stability crowns provide.
• After root canal treatment: Teeth can become brittle after a root canal procedure. Crowns help protect these teeth from fractures.
• Cosmetic improvements: Teeth that are misshapen, severely stained or have minor alignment issues can look significantly better with crowns.
• Worn-down teeth: Teeth worn down by grinding (bruxism) or acidic erosion often require crowns for protection and to restore their normal shape.
• Anchoring dental bridges and implants: Crowns are used to secure dental bridges or placed on top of dental implants as replacement teeth.
• Old filling: If a tooth has an old filling that is failing or compromising the tooth’s strength, it may need to be replaced before placing a crown to ensure a proper fit and long-lasting restoration.
• Weak tooth: A crown is often recommended to protect and support a weak tooth that is at risk of breaking.

There are different types of crowns available, including those made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. The choice of crown depends on the patient’s specific dental needs and preferences.

Crowns are made from durable materials and are highly successful long-term dental restorations. Many people keep their crowns in excellent condition for 10 to 20 years or even longer with proper dental care.

Common Materials for Dental Crowns

There are different types of tooth crowns, each made from specific materials to suit various dental needs, aesthetic goals, and budgets. Choosing the right material for your tooth crown is important for restoring function, anchoring a dental bridge, and achieving a natural smile. Here’s a simple table to help you compare:

Each material has its specific benefits.

Porcelain is excellent for visible front teeth, especially the upper front teeth, due to its natural look and ability to blend seamlessly with your smile. Zirconia is highly durable, making it ideal for heavy chewing. Gold offers remarkable longevity but lacks aesthetic appeal for visible teeth. 

For those mainly concerned with tooth colour and minor shape corrections, veneers can be an alternative to crowns for improving the appearance of your smile. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific situation.

Before Getting a Crown: Step-by-Step Process

Knowing exactly what to expect during the crown placement process can significantly reduce anxiety and help you feel more comfortable during your appointments. 

Maintaining good oral hygiene before your crown appointment is essential to reduce bacteria in your mouth, which helps prevent complications such as decay or plaque accumulation around the restoration. 

Here’s a clear breakdown of the steps you’ll typically experience before getting a dental crown placed:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Examination

At your first appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your tooth. They’ll often take an X-ray to assess the tooth’s internal structure, ensuring it can support a crown properly. Your dentist will then discuss your treatment plan clearly, explaining why a crown is recommended and what benefits it offers for your particular dental health.

Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist any questions you may have during this appointment. Clarifying any doubts will help you feel relaxed and informed.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

Next, your tooth needs preparation for crown placement. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth using local anaesthetic, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

The dentist will reshape your tooth carefully by removing some of its outer structure. During this process, a small amount of tooth enamel is removed to ensure the crown fits properly and securely. This reshaping provides adequate room for the crown to fit perfectly. 

The goal here is precise: enough tooth structure is removed to securely accommodate the crown without sacrificing more than necessary.

If your tooth is significantly damaged or broken, the dentist might rebuild it using filling material first. This step provides sufficient structure to hold the crown firmly in place.

Step 3: Taking Impressions or Scans

Once your tooth has been shaped, your dentist will create an impression or digital scan of your tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression provides an exact model for the dental laboratory to craft a custom crown matching your tooth precisely.

Traditionally, dentists use a putty-like material placed in a tray to create this impression. However, modern clinics increasingly use digital scanners that capture highly accurate 3D images of your teeth quickly and comfortably.

The dentist will also select the shade of your crown carefully, matching it to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.

Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement

Most dental crowns require custom manufacturing at a dental laboratory. Because this can take around two weeks, your dentist places a temporary crown on your tooth for protection and comfort.

Temporary crowns are usually made from acrylic or resin. These crowns are not as robust as permanent crowns, but they protect your tooth effectively during the waiting period. Your dentist will cement the temporary crown with temporary adhesive, making it easy to remove at your follow-up visit.

While wearing your temporary crown, it helps to:

• Avoid chewy foods or sticky foods that might dislodge it.
• Floss gently around it by sliding the floss out at the gumline, not upward.
• Contact your dentist immediately if the temporary crown loosens or falls off. Keep it safe, as your dentist can often reattach it quickly.

Step 5: Waiting Period

Your custom permanent crown typically takes 1–3 weeks to be crafted. During this time, you’ll continue with normal activities, maintaining good oral hygiene practices and treating your temporary crown with extra care.

Mild sensitivity or slight gum discomfort is common during this stage. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help relieve this minor discomfort.

Step 6: Fitting the Permanent Crown

At your next appointment, your dentist removes the temporary crown and cleans your tooth. They’ll carefully place the new permanent crown onto your tooth and carefully assess its fit, bite alignment, and appearance.

You’ll be asked to bite down on special paper that highlights any unevenness or height discrepancies. Your dentist will make precise adjustments, ensuring your new crown fits comfortably and naturally.

Once everything feels perfect, the dentist permanently cements the crown onto your tooth using strong dental adhesive. Any excess cement is cleaned up thoroughly, leaving you with a sturdy, natural-looking crown. 

With the permanent crown in place, your tooth is fully restored in both function and appearance.

Same-Day Crowns: An Alternative

Some modern clinics offer same-day crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology. With this method, the dentist creates your crown onsite using digital scans and a milling machine. The entire process, from scanning to placement, occurs within a single appointment lasting a few hours.

Same-day crowns eliminate the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits. Availability varies, so check with your dentist if interested.

After Getting a Crown: Recovery, Care, and Results

Knowing what to expect after the procedure helps you manage your recovery and ensures your crown stays in optimal condition for many years.

Immediate Recovery

Right after the crown placement, your mouth may remain numb from the local anaesthetic for a couple of hours. It’s wise to avoid chewing on the treated side until sensation fully returns. This simple precaution prevents accidental biting of your cheek or tongue.

Mild gum tenderness or slight tooth sensitivity is common in the days following crown placement. Most people find this discomfort minimal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Getting Used to Your New Crown

At first, the crown may feel slightly unusual or elevated when you bite. This is because your mouth needs some time to adapt to the new shape. Usually, your bite adjusts within a few days.

If, after several day,s your bite still feels off or uncomfortable when chewing, contact your dentist. They can easily perform a minor adjustment to ensure your crown fits comfortably.

Managing Sensitivity

Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is normal after getting a crown. This sensitivity typically fades within a week or two. You can manage this by avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and drinks initially and using toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

Maintaining Your Dental Crown

A dental crown does not require special care beyond regular oral hygiene practices. Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, and attending routine dental check-ups.

When flossing, pay extra attention to the area around your crown, as plaque and bacteria can build up near the edges. Flossing helps remove bacteria that may accumulate around the crown, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. 

Good dental hygiene prevents potential decay around the crown’s base and helps avoid further problems, ensuring it stays stable for many years.

Diet and Habits

You can enjoy your regular diet with a crown, but be mindful of habits that might damage it. Avoid biting down on hard objects or excessively hard foods like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or hard candies. 

Biting hard objects can cause your crown to break, especially if it is made from materials like resin or porcelain. Refrain from using your teeth to open packages or bottles, as these activities could crack or loosen your crown.

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism), discuss wearing a night guard with your dentist. A night guard will protect your crown and your natural teeth from excessive wear and damage.

Possible Issues and Solutions

Although crowns are highly durable, sometimes minor issues may occur:

• High Bite: If the crown feels too high, it can easily be adjusted by your dentist.
• Persistent Pain or Sensitivity: Ongoing pain or sensitivity beyond a couple of weeks should be checked by your dentist.
• Crown Loosening: If your crown loosens or comes off, keep it safe and see your dentist promptly. Usually, the crown can be reattached.
• Chipped Crown: If your crown becomes chipped or damaged, it may need to be replaced to restore function and aesthetics.
• Gum Irritation: Mild irritation around the gumline is common initially and can be relieved by gently rinsing with warm salt water. Persistent redness or swelling requires a dental check-up.

The average lifespan of dental crowns is typically between 10 and 20 years with proper care, and many last even longer. However, after this period, crowns may need to be replaced due to wear, damage, or changes in fit. 

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and having regular dental check-ups help maximise your crown’s lifespan and ensure any old or damaged crowns are replaced as needed.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Dental Crown

Dental crowns offer numerous benefits, but like any dental procedure, they also come with some downsides. Considering both helps you make the best decision for your oral health.

Pros of Dental Crowns

• Restores Function and Comfort: Crowns effectively repair damaged teeth, allowing comfortable chewing and alleviating pain from cracks or decay.
• Strengthens and Protects Teeth: Crowns protect weakened or compromised teeth from further damage, significantly reducing the risk of extraction.
• Improves Appearance: Crowns can greatly enhance the aesthetic appearance of damaged, discoloured or misshapen teeth, boosting confidence.
• Long-Lasting: Crowns typically last for many years, often between 10 to 20 years or more, providing a reliable, long-term solution.
• High Success Rate: Dental crowns have an excellent track record of success, with high satisfaction rates among patients.

Cons of Dental Crowns

• Irreversible Procedure: Preparing a tooth for a crown involves removing enamel and reshaping it, which is permanent. The tooth will always require a crown or similar restoration afterward.
• Cost: Crowns are more expensive than fillings or other simpler procedures due to custom fabrication and laboratory work.
• Potential Sensitivity: Some people experience mild sensitivity or discomfort immediately after placement.
• Possible Damage or Loosening: Crowns may occasionally chip, crack or loosen over time, requiring adjustments or replacements.
• Abrasive Nature: Porcelain crowns can occasionally cause minor wear on opposing teeth, particularly if the patient has a grinding habit.

Overall, crowns offer excellent benefits for significantly damaged teeth. Discussing these points with your dentist can help you decide if a crown is the right choice for your dental health.

How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Australia?

Understanding dental crown costs helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises. Prices vary based on the type of crown, the complexity of your dental situation, and your dentist’s fees. Here’s a helpful overview to guide your budgeting.

Typical Cost Range for Crowns

In Australia, dental crown costs typically range from $1,000 to around $2,500 per tooth. The variation depends primarily on the type of material used and individual dental practice pricing.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns: Usually cost between $1,500 and $2,100. Porcelain crowns are popular for front teeth due to their natural appearance.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Generally priced from $1,700 to $2,500. PFMs balance strength and aesthetics.
• Zirconia Crowns: Prices often range from $1,600 to $2,300. Zirconia crowns offer exceptional durability.
• Gold or Metal Crowns: Typically cost between $1,800 to upwards of $3,000, reflecting the higher cost of precious metals.

Factors Affecting Crown Costs

Several factors influence how much your crown will cost:

• Material Choice: Gold crowns and advanced ceramics usually cost more due to the higher expense of materials and lab work involved.
• Dental Practice and Location: Fees can differ significantly between dental practices and locations, particularly between metropolitan areas and regional practices.
• Complexity of the Procedure: Teeth requiring extensive preparation, such as a build-up with fillings or posts, can increase costs.
• Dental Insurance Coverage: If you have private dental insurance with major dental coverage, a portion of your crown cost may be covered. Always check your policy details.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting, keep in mind that crowns may require additional preliminary procedures, such as:

• Core build-up or post placement: If your tooth is severely damaged, additional treatments to rebuild the tooth may incur extra fees.
• Root Canal Treatment: Required if your tooth has infected pulp. This is an additional separate expense, typically around $800 to $1,500 per tooth.

Payment Options and Financial Assistance

Due to the cost involved, many dental clinics offer flexible payment plans to spread payments over time. Discuss your financial situation openly with your dental provider, as they may provide manageable payment solutions or finance options.

Key Takeaways

Here are the most important points to remember about getting dental crowns, clearly summarised for easy reference:

• Dental crowns are customised, tooth-shaped caps that cover and protect damaged teeth, improving their strength, appearance, and function.
• Crowns are recommended for teeth that are severely decayed, broken, worn down, or cosmetically compromised. They also protect teeth after root canal treatment and anchor dental bridges or implants.
• The crown placement process involves tooth preparation, impressions or digital scans, a temporary crown, and fitting of the permanent crown. Some clinics offer same-day crowns for convenience.
• After placement, minor sensitivity and discomfort are normal and temporary. Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid very hard foods, and attend regular dental check-ups.
• Crowns typically last between 10 and 20 years with proper care, and many patients enjoy their crowns even longer.
• Dental crowns come in various materials, including porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and gold. Each has specific strengths and best uses.
• The cost of crowns in Australia ranges broadly between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth, depending on material, location, and complexity.
• Many dental practices provide payment plans or financing options to help manage the cost effectively.

If you have further questions or concerns about dental crowns, it’s always best to speak directly with your dental professional. They can guide you on the best approach tailored specifically to your dental health needs.