- What is a Dental Crown?
- Step-by-Step Dental Crown Fitting Procedure
- 5 Aftercare Tips for Your Dental Crown Maintenance
- Specialist Dental Group’s Team of Prosthodontists
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a protective cap that fully encases a tooth, restoring it to its original size, shape, and colour while enhancing its structural integrity. Each crown is custom-made to fit only the individual it is designed for, ensuring an optimal match for your dental architecture.
Dental crowns help restore function and aesthetic purposes, making them the preferred choice for individuals looking to enhance their smile and dental health.
Step-by-Step Dental Crown Fitting Procedure
Step 1: Initial Tooth Assessment
The journey typically begins with an assessment of your tooth. During this initial consultation, your dental specialist will determine the type of crown based on your dental needs. Here are the different types of dental crowns typically offered:
- Porcelain Crowns: Renowned for their ability to mimic the teeth’ original appearance, porcelain crowns may be suitable for restoring front teeth.
- Ceramic Crowns: Provide a strong and aesthetically pleasing option for both front and back teeth.
- Gold Alloy Crowns: Known for their durability and strength, gold alloy crowns may be suitable for molars that undergo a lot of wear and tear.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: A hybrid that offers the resilience of metal with the aesthetic benefits of porcelain.
Choosing the correct type of crown is crucial as it may influence the functionality, appearance, and longevity of your dental treatment.
Step 2: First Crown Fitting Appointment
After you have decided to proceed with a dental crown, your dental specialist will carry out the following steps:
1. Preparation of Tooth
Local anaesthesia will be administered to help numb your tooth and surrounding gums for optimal comfort. Your original tooth is then trimmed to allow sufficient space for the dental crown, maintaining the integrity of your tooth’s structure.
2. Dental Impression
An impression of your teeth and soft tissues in your mouth is taken with a handheld scanner or impression tray. It is then sent to the dental laboratory for the fabrication of your permanent (definitive) crown.
3. Shade-taking
Together with you and the help of a shade guide, your dental specialist / dentist will select an appropriate colour for your new crown.
4. Temporary Crown
When necessary, a temporary crown is made on the same day to protect your existing tooth and to ensure you leave the clinic with a complete smile.
Step 3: Final Crown Placement and Cementation
At this stage, your permanent crown is issued and cemented. Your dental specialist / dentist will check the fit and appearance of the crown. When both of you are satisfied with the new dental crown, it will be cemented in place.
5 Aftercare Tips for Your Dental Crown Maintenance
If a well-made dental crown is cared for appropriately, it can last approximately 10 years or more. The best way to prolong the longevity of your dental crown is a combination of regular dental visits to your dental specialist / dentist and maintaining a good oral care routine. Here are five essentialtips to help extend the life of your dental crown:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste for two minutes each time. Do remember to brush along the gum line to remove any accumulated plaque.
- Floss daily to remove food remnants between the teeth and dental crown. If you need help withto flossing effectively with your dental crown, do ask your dental specialist or dentist for guidance.
- Watch your sugar intake as the tooth underneath the crown can still be prone to cavities and gum disease.
- To prevent your dental crowns from breaking or chipping, do not use them to bite on hard foods (such as ice, seafood shells, and nuts).
- Visit your dentist two times a year for professional cleaning to remove any hardened plaque (tartar) and a detailed examination to ensure your crown is in good shape.
Specialist Dental Group’s Team of Prosthodontists
We have a team of Prosthodontists that are qualified in the areas of:
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Dental crowns/bridges
- Teeth restorations
- Dental implants
- Restorations
- Missing teeth replacement
- Rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients
They possess the knowledge and experience to treat patients with more complex dental problems. If you think you may need dental treatment, find out more about our team of Prosthodontists here
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Are dental crowns permanent?
Dental crowns are considered a long-term approach but not permanent. They typically last 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are recommended to help extend the lifespan of your crown.
When would I need a dental crown?
There are generally two types of clinical situations where the dentist will suggest a dental crown:
- On your existing tooth to:
- Cap large cavities (decay) that cannot be repaired with dental fillings
- Help strengthen the tooth if it is weak, worn down or cracked
- Restore the tooth after root canal treatment
- Improve the appearance of your smile by replacing discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
- On a dental implant to:
- Complete restoration of missing teeth
If you are experiencing any of the dental conditions above, you probably need a dental crown. Visit a dental specialist / dentist so that they can carry out a detailed examination for you and suggest a suitable approach.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Depending on the material chosen for the dental crown, laboratory fees, clinician chosen, and clinical time spent, the costs for a dental crown procedure in Singapore can range from $1,000 to $3,000.
What type of dental crowns does Specialist Dental Group offer?
At Specialist Dental Group, we offer a variety of dental crown types, including:
- Porcelain Crowns: Preferred for a natural aesthetic look.
- Ceramic Crowns: Popular for their durability and natural appearance.
- Gold Alloy Crowns: Chosen for their strength, which is particularly recommended for back teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns: Combines the durability of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain.
Can I choose the colour of my dental crown?
Yes, you can choose the colour of your dental crown. During the crown fitting process, you will work with your dental specialist to select a shade that closely matches your original teeth for a seamless and aesthetic appearance.
How to schedule an appointment for crown fitting processes at Specialist Dental Group?
To schedule a crown fitting appointment at our dental clinic in Singapore, you can visit our website or call our offices directly at 6734 9393 (Mount Elizabeth Clinic) or 6471 5150 (Gleneagles Clinic). Our friendly colleagues will assist you at your convenience.
How to schedule an appointment for crown fitting processes at Specialist Dental Group?
To schedule a crown fitting appointment at our dental clinic in Singapore, you can visit our website or call our offices directly at 6734 9393 (Mount Elizabeth Clinic) or 6471 5150 (Gleneagles Clinic). Our friendly colleagues will assist you at your convenience.
Are there follow-up appointments after the dental crown is fitted?
Yes, follow-up appointments are recommended after fitting your dental crown. These allow your dental specialist to help ensure the crown functions well and make any necessary adjustments. Regular check-ups also help maintain overall dental health.
Can Medisave be used for dental crown procedures?
Medisave can be used for surgical procedures related to dental crown procedures, such as the placement of dental implants. However, it cannot be used for the crown unless it is part of a surgical procedure.
