Dental Crowns
Most dentistry looks like dentistry. Our goal is to provide dentistry that is undetectable. We replace existing crowns and dental fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.
Where damage to a person’s teeth is extreme, and apparently beyond repair, we can use porcelain or porcelain “pasted on gold” crowns to make the smile appear “as new”. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe of dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 10 to 15 years, which is as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a simple filling. Crowns are commonly used in cases involving:
• Large cavities
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Root canal treated teeth
• Severely worn teeth
• Misshapen or discoloured teeth
• Support for a dental bridge
By covering the entire visible portion of the tooth, a crown restores strength, protects the remaining structure and improves appearance.
We also provide emergency dentistry services , and in cases where a tooth cannot be saved, we can discuss options such as dental implants for a permanent replacement solution.
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
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 of either plastic or metal.
On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown, and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems
What are the capabilities of crowns?
Crown and bridgework is a very reliable solution for major dental problems caused through accidents, diseases or wear and tear. Major problems can usually be corrected using these techniques. Material used in these repairs is either high-grade porcelain, or porcelain bonded to gold. A higher strength of the porcelain and gold materials is recommended to treat the most serious of dental problems. Where accidental damage has occurred, resulting in lost teeth, or where teeth have broken away through excessive wear, or as the result of old fillings breaking, crowns and/or dental bridges can be used as a long-term solution.
Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause “appearance” problems 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.
Signs Your Dental Crown May Need Replacing
As noted above, dental crowns are designed to last between 10 and 15 years. However, their lifespan depends on a number of factors, including the materials used, the location of the crown in the mouth, and how well it is maintained. Knowing the warning signs that a crown may be failing can help you seek treatment early and avoid more serious complications. Here is what to watch out for.
1. Pain or Discomfort Around the Crown
A crown that was once comfortable should not suddenly begin causing pain. Persistent or worsening discomfort around a crowned tooth can indicate several issues, including decay developing at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth, a crack in the underlying tooth structure, or the crown no longer fitting as securely as it should. Any new or unexplained pain around a crown warrants a prompt dental assessment.
2. Sensitivity to Temperature or Pressure
If you notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or discomfort when biting down on the crowned tooth, this can be a sign that the seal between the crown and the tooth has broken down, allowing temperature or pressure to affect the inner tooth structure. In teeth that have not had root canal treatment, this can be particularly uncomfortable and should be assessed without delay.
3. A Loose or Shifting Crown
A properly fitted crown should feel completely stable. If your crown feels loose, rocks slightly when you bite, or moves in any way, the cement holding it in place may have deteriorated. A loose crown leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable to decay and bacterial ingress. Do not attempt to reattach a loose crown at home, as this can cause further damage or create an improper fit.
4. Visible Cracks, Chips, or Wear
Inspect your crown periodically for any visible signs of damage. Porcelain crowns in particular can chip or crack over time, especially in patients who grind their teeth. Even minor damage to the crown surface can allow bacteria to penetrate and begin affecting the tooth underneath. Any visible damage should be assessed by your dentist, who will advise on whether a repair or full replacement is required.
5. Dark Lines or Discolouration at the Gum Line
A dark line visible at the base of the crown where it meets the gum is a common sign of an older style porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, where the metal substructure becomes visible as the gum line recedes over time. In addition to the aesthetic concern, a receding gum line around a crown can expose the tooth margin and increase the risk of decay or sensitivity. Modern all-porcelain crowns can address this issue when replacement is required.
6. Gum Recession or Inflammation Around the Crown
Healthy gum tissue around a crown should appear firm and pink. Persistent redness, swelling, bleeding, or a receding gum line in the area of the crown can indicate gum disease or a poor-fitting crown that is irritating the surrounding tissue. Left untreated, gum recession can compromise both the appearance and the long-term stability of the crown.
7. Your Crown Is Approaching the End of Its Lifespan
Even if your crown is not causing obvious problems, a crown that is 10 years or older is worth having reviewed at your next dental visit. Older crowns are more likely to have developed micro-cracks, worn margins, or subtle changes in fit that are not yet causing symptoms but may be allowing decay to develop beneath the surface. Catching these issues early through regular check-ups is far preferable to waiting until symptoms appear.
When to Seek Help
If you notice any of the signs above, contact our Lane Cove practice on (02) 8294 0090 to arrange an assessment. Early attention to a failing crown is almost always simpler, less invasive, and more cost-effective than addressing the complications that can arise from leaving a problem untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental crown? A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, appearance, and function. Crowns are made from high-grade porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold and are designed to look and feel like natural teeth.
When is a dental crown recommended? A crown may be recommended for teeth with large cavities, cracks or fractures, severe wear, or discolouration. They are also used to protect teeth following root canal treatment, support misshapen teeth, and anchor a dental bridge.
How long does it take to fit a crown? Fitting a crown requires at least two visits. At the first appointment, the tooth is shaped and a temporary crown is placed. At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place.
How long do dental crowns last? Crowns are typically designed to last between 10 and 15 years. Their lifespan depends on the materials used, the location of the crown in the mouth, and how well it is maintained with daily oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
What are the signs that my crown may need replacing? Speak to your dentist if you notice pain or discomfort around the crown, sensitivity to temperature or pressure, a loose or shifting crown, visible chips or cracks, dark lines at the gum line, or gum recession and inflammation in the area. Any crown that is 10 years or older is also worth having reviewed, even if it is not causing obvious symptoms.