A crown is a dental restoration designed to repair teeth that are cracked, weakened by decay, or have a large filling, restoring their strength and function.
“So happy with my experience at bonsai dental, I have just had a crown done on my front tooth and also had other treatments here.
Always professional and all the staff are great I wouldn’t go anywhere else!”
Lisa
Here is how it works:
- The tooth requiring restoration is first scanned to capture its exact shape and size.
- A custom crown is crafted in a dental laboratory to ensure a perfect fit and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
- The tooth is prepared, and the crown is securely placed on top to restore its function and appearance.
Crowns are an excellent option if you want to improve the look of teeth with discoloured fillings, giving you a more attractive smile. They are also essential for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, as they protect the restored tooth and allow you to bite and chew confidently. Additionally, crowns can be used to anchor bridges or dentures securely in place.
Life Benefits
- Reinforces and protects the remaining tooth structure.
- Provides a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing restoration.
- Restores full function, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably like a natural tooth.
FAQ’s
How to take care of my dental crown?
Once your dental crown has been placed, proper care is essential to help it last for many years. Crowns are available in different materials – such as metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and ceramic – each type may have slightly different maintenance needs. The following tips can help you keep your crown in great shape:
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Treat your crown just like a natural tooth by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. This helps prevent plaque buildup and reduces the risk of decay around the crown.
Be mindful of what you eat: Although crowns are durable, avoid biting into hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages. Sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel or taffy, can also loosen or damage the crown.
Schedule routine dental visits: Regular check-ups allow your dentist to examine the crown and adjust if there is a need. Professional cleanings will also help remove plaque or tartar that may accumulate around the crown.
Use a nightguard if needed: If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, wearing a nightguard can help protect your crown from excessive wear or damage.
Pay attention to warning signs: Sensitivity, discomfort, or swelling around your crown may indicate an issue with the underlying tooth. Contact your dentist promptly if you notice any of these symptoms.
By practicing these care tips, you can help your dental crown stay strong and functional for years. If you have any questions about maintaining your crown or notice changes in your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dentist for guidance.
Are dental crowns painful?
Many people wonder whether getting a dental crown is painful. The good news is that the procedure itself is generally not painful, thanks to the use of local anaesthesia. That said, some mild discomfort or sensitivity may occur afterward.
During the crown procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth with local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain while the tooth is being prepared, or the crown is being fitted. If dental visits make you nervous, sedation options may also be available to help you feel more relaxed.
It’s normal to notice some sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days following the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are usually enough to manage this discomfort. Some people may also feel slight jaw soreness as they get used to the new shape of their tooth.
While rare, complications like nerve irritation or an allergic reaction to the crown material can occur. Your dentist will take every precaution to minimise these risks and ensure the procedure is as safe and comfortable as possible.
If you’re worried about pain or sensitivity, our dentist can walk you through each step of the process, answer any questions, and help manage any discomfort after your crown is placed.