Dental Crowns

How much do dental crowns cost?

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of material used and the complexity specific to each patient’s unique needs. A dental crown can cost approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per tooth. However, additional costs may apply if other treatments, such as root canal therapy, are needed before the crown can be placed. It’s best to consult with our restorative dentist to get an accurate estimate of your dental crown cost based on your specific needs and circumstances.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, but with proper care, they can last 20 years or more. Longevity depends on the material, placement in the mouth, oral hygiene, and habits that may stress the crown.

To extend the life of your crown, practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Avoid hard foods, using teeth as tools, and habits like grinding or clenching that can damage the crown.

Regular dental check-ups help monitor the crown’s condition. If you notice any chipping, loosening, or cracking, seek prompt care. A damaged crown may need replacement to protect the tooth and maintain your smile.

Do dental crowns hurt?

Getting a dental crown should not be painful due to the local anesthesia used to numb the area beforehand. However, mild sensitivity, discomfort, or pain may occur as the anesthesia wears off, primarily from the tooth preparation. Discomfort after treatment can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually subsides within a few days. Sensitivity to hot and cold may also happen, but tends to decrease over time. If pain persists or worsens, consult your dentist to rule out any complications with the crown. Additionally, procedures leading to the crown placement, like a root canal, may cause more significant discomfort. If you have concerns about pain, talk to your dentist for suggestions to minimise it.

How do I maintain a dental crown?

Guidelines for Maintaining Your Dental Crown:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, focusing on the crown area.
• Floss Regularly: Use dental floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque and food between teeth and around the crown.
• Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Refrain from biting hard items like ice or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the crown.
• Schedule Regular Check-Ups: Visit your dentist for routine examinations to assess and maintain the condition of your crown.
• Manage Grinding or Clenching: If you grind or clench your teeth, consider a nightguard to protect your crown from wear.
• Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your crown to open packages or bite non-food items, which can damage it.

By following these tips and maintaining good oral care, you can ensure the longevity of your dental crown. If you notice any issues or changes, consult your dentist quickly.

What can I eat or drink with a dental crown?

You can eat and drink with a dental crown, but take care to ensure its longevity. Here are some key points:

• Avoid hard and sticky foods: Avoid ice, nuts, hard candies, chewing gum, and caramel, as they can damage or dislodge the crown.
• Cut food into smaller pieces: This helps reduce pressure on the crown when eating hard foods.
• Watch out for temperature: Extremes in hot and cold beverages can cause sensitivity. Allow hot drinks to cool slightly before consuming.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Rinse or brush after meals to keep the area around the crown clean.

Always consult your dentist for personalised advice based on your specific situation.

What to do if a dental crown breaks?

If your dental crown breaks or becomes loose, contact your nearest dentist immediately to schedule an appointment for repair or replacement.

In the meantime, you can:

• Save Broken Pieces: Keep any broken pieces, as the dentist may be able to use them.
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Do not eat hard or sticky foods to prevent further damage.
• Keep the Area Clean: Clean the area with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-alcoholic mouthwash.
• Use Dental Cement: If the crown is loose, use dental cement from a drugstore to temporarily reattach it until your appointment.
• Take Pain Medication: take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed for pain relief.

Remember to see the dentist as soon as possible for a proper assessment and treatment.

Why would a dentist recommend a crown rather than a dental veneer?

A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth, while a porcelain veneer is a thin layer that only covers the front. Dentists often recommend crowns for teeth with significant damage, decay, large fillings, or after a root canal because they provide more support and stability. Crowns are also ideal for severely discoloured or misshapen teeth because they offer a completely natural appearance. Porcelain veneers, however, are suitable for minor cosmetic issues like small chips, cracks, or gaps as they are less invasive and preserve more tooth structure.

Can decay form underneath a dental crown?

Decay can develop under a dental crown if the tooth beneath is improperly cleaned. This may happen due to a poor fit of the crown or inadequate oral hygiene. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to ensure the crown lasts and to identify any issues early. If decay is found under a crown, it must be removed, treated, and replaced.

What are alternatives to dental crowns?

Alternatives to dental crowns depend on the tooth’s condition and extent of damage. Here are some options:

• Veneers: Thin porcelain shells covering the front of the tooth, suitable for minor damage.
• Onlays and Inlays: Partial coverage of the tooth; inlays fit inside the cusps, while onlays cover one or more cusps.
• Fillings: Used for minor to moderate decay, made from composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.
• Dental Bonding: Tooth-colored resin applied to repair minor damage, cured with a special light.
• Root Canal Therapy: Necessary if the tooth’s pulp is infected, followed by filling or restoration instead of a crown.
• Dental Implants: Required if the tooth is severely damaged, involves removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant; this is more complex and costly.
• Tooth Reattachment: Possible in cases of trauma if a part of the tooth breaks off.
• Removable Partial Dentures: An option to replace a missing tooth if it can’t be restored.
• No Treatment: Sometimes leaving a tooth as is may be an option, but it could lead to future issues.

Consult a dentist to determine the best treatment for your specific situation.

Does teeth whitening work on a dental crown?

Teeth whitening treatments do not affect the colour of dental crowns, as they are made from materials that do not respond to whitening agents. If you want to improve the appearance of your dental crown, consult your dentist for alternative options.

Can I use private health to cover the cost of a dental crown?

Many private health insurance policies in Australia cover dental crowns under major dental or extras cover. Reimbursement levels depend on the specific policy, annual limits, and applicable waiting periods, which can be up to 12 months for major dental services.

Coverage varies by insurance plan, so patients should check with their provider to understand their benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.

At Amazing Smiles Dental, we can help determine your insurance coverage and submit claims to maximise your benefits.

Here are the dental crown item numbers (treatments may vary based on patient needs):

• 022 – Intraoral X-ray (to assess the tooth)
• 572 – Provisional/interim restoration – per tooth
• 611 – Full crown – polymeric material – indirect
• 613 – Full crown – ceramic – indirect
• 615 – Full crown – veneered – indirect (with metal base)
• 618 – Full crown – metallic – indirect
• 627 – Core build-up to support the crown
• 643 – Bridge pontic – indirect – per pontic
• 655 – Removal of an old crown if necessary
• 672 – Full crown attached to osseointegrated implant – veneered – indirect
• 673 – Full crown attached to osseointegrated implant – metallic – indirect