Crown

When is it necessary to place a crown on a tooth?

There may be reasons to place a crown on a tooth if:

• It has large fillings that weaken the tooth structure
• There are cracks in the tooth and it is at risk of splitting or breaking. The crown holds the tooth together and takes the pressure off the fragile walls of the tooth.
• The tooth is root-filled and therefore fragile
• The tooth is worn down due to decay, teeth grinding, or acid erosion
• It is necessary to improve the appearance of the tooth or change its shape

What materials are crowns made of?

Several materials are commonly used for making crowns. Porcelain and ceramic are traditional materials, also metal where porcelain is fused on for better appearance. Zirconia is a tooth-colored material that has become very common in crown making. Zirconia is a mineral with strength comparable to metal. Zirconia crowns are very strong and are often used for molar crowns. All crowns made for teeth are tooth-colored except for some gold crowns.

How to care for a tooth with a crown?

A tooth with a crown should be cared for just like other teeth in the mouth. Since the natural tooth is under the crown, it is important to keep it clean so no leakage occurs at the joints that could cause damage. Brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss or interdental brushes daily.

How long does a crown last?

The lifespan of a crown varies greatly. It depends on the location in the mouth, the material it is made from, and how well you take care of your teeth. Generally, crowns last about 15-20 years, but they can last much longer under good conditions.

How is the procedure done?

If the tooth is alive, it needs to be numbed before treatment starts. The tooth is then thinned down on all sides, the top, and around so there is space for the cap over the tooth. Sometimes the shape of the tooth needs to be adjusted with filling materials. After the dentist has removed enough tooth tissue, the teeth and bite are scanned in 3D. The scan is sent to a dental lab that fabricates the crown for the tooth. The crown is custom-made for each tooth to fit perfectly to the tooth, adjacent teeth, and bite. It also needs to blend well in the dental arch visually and match the correct color. While the crown is being made, you will have a temporary plastic crown on the tooth. When the crown is ready, it is tried in and then glued onto the tooth if it fits well and the appearance is acceptable. It is rare for crowns to come loose after they are glued, and a tooth with a crown functions just as well as other teeth in the mouth.

Crown on a dental implant

Crowns are not only placed on natural teeth. If a single tooth is lost and a dental implant is placed instead, a crown is fabricated and then attached to the implant. The crown is made from tooth-colored materials, porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia. Sometimes a metal crown with porcelain fused on is made.

How much does a crown cost?

The cost of a crown varies. It depends on factors such as material choice, dental lab fees, and how much preparation work is needed on the tooth before the crown can be made. You can see examples of crown costs in our price list. Numbing and temporary crowns are included in the price of the crown.

Health insurance provides a subsidy covering 75% of the cost of one crown for elderly and disabled persons once every 12 months.

Do you need a crown on a tooth?

It can pay off not to wait too long if your dentist has recommended a crown on a tooth. We use the latest 3D scanning technology for crowns and no impression molds are needed. We look forward to assisting you!