Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a type of indirect filling made in the dental lab. It is a protective cover or cap that is cemented onto your tooth to maintain its strength and integrity. If your tooth is heavily broken down or have very large fillings, cracks and breaks may occur, thus a crown is placed to protect the tooth from further deteriorate. It is made of either a metal or ceramic that can mimic the natural look of your teeth. At Thomson Dental Centre, we specialise in making all ceramic, metal-free crowns that blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Ceramic Crowns

There are many types of life-like ceramics like feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate or zirconia that can mimic natural teeth. Based on the needs of your teeth, our dentist and dental technicians will choose the appropriate material, match the colour to closely resemble your teeth and restore your smile.

Indirect Restorations

A dental crown is a type of indirect restoration. An indirect restoration, as opposed to a direct restoration, is made entirely outside of your mouth. An impression is usually taken after the tooth is prepared, then a dental technician will fabricate the restoration using stronger, more resilient and aesthetic materials. This can either be bonded or cemented in on your next appointment. Indirect restoration tend to last longer than direct restorations because of the precision and materials used in restoring your teeth. Examples of indirect restorations are veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges.

FAQ

When your tooth has undergone years of damage and restorations, it may become extremely weak and brittle. Thus, further use may result in unrestorable breakage. This would be when a crown is indicated.

A few reasons why you may need a crown:

  • Heavily restored teeth
  • Root canal treated teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Restoring aesthetics of teeth
  • Worn dentition
  • Restoring an implant

Studies have shown it can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, but this will depend on the starting condition of your tooth and how well you maintain your teeth.

A dental crown is done in two appointment.

First appointment. The tooth is evaluated, then reduced and finally an impression is taken. A provisional crown made out of a temporary material will be fabricated before you leave the clinic.

Second appointment. The fit of the crown will be adjusted, followed by pernamently cementing it on to your tooth.

In some cases, this can be all done in one day. Please speak to our dentist about same day crowns for more information.

We have different materials such as ceramics that can mimic the look of a natural tooth. Based on the needs of your teeth, our dentist and dental technicians will choose the appropriate material, match the colour to closely resemble your teeth and restore your smile.

During treatment, anaesthetic will be provided free of charge so that you will not feel any discomfort. Sensitivity and soreness is expected after the first appointment. This is usually self-limiting and controlled well by over-the-counter pain medication.

Decay. Decay may progress underneath a crown without pain or discomfort. Having regular dental check-ups are important for our dentist to diagnose the issue before the tooth becomes unrestorable. If decay underneath the crown is detected early, a new crown can be made.

Chipping or Cracks. Like natural teeth, chipping or cracks may developed on your crown. Sometimes small chips just require minor adjustments by our dentist. In more severe cases, it may require a new crown.

Sensitivity. A crowned tooth may develop temporary sensitivity. This can be remedied with overnight application of sensitive relief toothpaste. If the sensitivity persist, please consult our dentist.

Pain. A crowned tooth may become painful. This could be due to a root canal issue, leakage, or a high bite. If the pain is persistant, please consult our dentist.

Yes. If you are Orange, Blue, Merdeka or Pioneer Generation CHAS card holder you are eligible for a subsidy when paying for a dental crown. Please refer to our CHAS page for more information.

No. Medisave can only be used for surgical procedures such as implants and wisdom teeth extractions. Please refer to our Medisave page for more information.