Step 1: Prepare the Tooth
To get your tooth ready for the procedure, a portion of the outer part of your tooth is removed to allow space for the crown to be fitted. Any decay found will also be removed.
Dental Crown
A dental crown, commonly known as a dental cap, improves the appearance by completely encasing the treated tooth. In addition, it also helps to restore its shape, size, and the way it looks.
Placing a crown may be necessary for 2 situations:
• when the size of the cavity is large or
• when a functional area is involved.
In the latter scenario, fillings will not be able to provide adequate protection for the remaining dentition, making it susceptible to further crack.
A dental crown helps to cover the entire tooth, restoring it to its original size and shape.
A dental crown helps to restore or enhance the appearance of your tooth. It may also be necessary for the following situations:
- To cover a dental implant
- To strengthen a weakened tooth
- To hold parts of a cracked tooth together
- To restore a broken, chipped or severely worn-down tooth
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover a tooth after root canal treatment
- To cover developmental abnormalities (such as under-developed teeth) or discoloured teeth
As its name suggests, these crowns are made out of metal such as gold or steel.
Such crowns are very visible due to its colour and are typically used for out-of-sight molars.
Pros
- Durable: able to withstand forces from biting and chewing
- Longer lasting
Cons
Metallic colour: very visible
These crowns are suitable to be fitted on your front or back teeth and on long bridges where extra strength is required.
Pros
- Natural-looking
- Strong
Cons
- Visible dark line along the gumline
- May wear down the tooth that it bites on or rubs against
These crowns are usually used to restore front teeth and made of porcelain-based materials.
Pros
- Cosmetic appeal: blends in easily with natural teeth for a more discreet look
- Suitable for people with metal allergies
Cons
- May wear down adjacent teeth as opposed to metal or resin crowns
- More fragile than metal
Such crowns are temporary and typically made from composite materials.
Pros
- Less expensive
Cons
- More prone to fracture
As its name suggests, these crowns are made out of metal such as gold or steel.
Such crowns are very visible due to its colour and are typically used for out-of-sight molars.
Pros
- Durable: able to withstand forces from biting and chewing
- Longer lasting
Cons
Metallic colour: very visible
These crowns are suitable to be fitted on your front or back teeth and on long bridges where extra strength is required.
Pros
- Natural-looking
- Strong
Cons
- Visible dark line along the gumline
- May wear down the tooth that it bites on or rubs against
These crowns are usually used to restore front teeth and made of porcelain-based materials.
Pros
- Cosmetic appeal: blends in easily with natural teeth for a more discreet look
- Suitable for people with metal allergies
Cons
- May wear down adjacent teeth as opposed to metal or resin crowns
- More fragile than metal
Such crowns are temporary and typically made from composite materials.
Pros
- Less expensive
Cons
- More prone to fracture
Step 2: Make the Mould
After reshaping, an impression of the tooth receiving the crown will be made to serve as an accurate model for the crown.
Step 3: Fix a Temporary Crown
The dental crown may take 2 to 3 weeks to be ready. Because it is not ideal to leave your tooth uncovered, a temporary one may be fitted while waiting for the permanent one to be ready.
Step 4: Fit the Dental Crown
Once the new crown is ready, the temporary one will be replaced with the permanent one.
The new crown will be installed and properly adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. It will then be cemented into place once you and your dentist are satisfied with how it looks and feels.
Price:
$756 to $1,404 per tooth
(Inclusive of GST)
A dental crown at i.Dental Singapore costs between $756 – $1,404 per tooth (includes GST). The price varies depending on the type of material used.
You are advised to consult our dentists for an accurate quote before the start of the procedure.
Subsidies for Dental Crowns
Depending on your eligibility, you may receive subsidies for certain dental services in Singapore. This includes permanent crowns. These are the subsidies available and the claimable amount per year:
- CHAS Orange card: $84.50
- CHAS Blue card: $127.50
- Merdeka Generation card: $132.50
- Pioneer Generation card: $137.50
You may claim for up to 4 permanent crowns per calendar year.
Modern Technology
Our iTero scanner allows the scanning of your teeth to be done effectively and efficiently.
Experienced and Caring Dental Team
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our team is dedicated to delivering caring and professional dental services that will cater to your needs.
We listen to you and will ensure we understand what you need. We will also explain the procedures to you before commencing any treatment.
FAQs
5 – 15 years.
The lifespan of a dental crown depends on how well you maintain it.
Getting a crown fitted should not hurt.
During the procedure, the tooth being restored is numbed with local anaesthetic to prevent you from feeling any pain.
After the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal for you to feel some sensitivity in your tooth or some soreness in the gums. The pain felt should be minimal and should not last for long.
Getting a dental crown placed requires at least 2 visits to your dentist – one to create a mould of your tooth and another to have the crown fitted to your tooth.
Additional visits may be needed if you are facing complications from the procedure or if adjustments to the fitting are required.
A temporary crown will be fitted while waiting for the permanent one to be ready. During this period, you are advised to
- Avoid eating sticky and hard foods as they may crack or dislodge the crown
- Refrain from chewing on the side with the temporary dental crown
- Slide out dental floss instead of lifting it out to avoid pulling the crown
A crowned tooth does not require special care. However, like all other teeth, you are required to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent decay and gum diseases.
- Tooth sensitivity
After the anaesthetic starts to wear off, it is normal to feel some sensitivity or discomfort in your crowned tooth. Toothpaste made for sensitive teeth can be used to reduce the effects.
However, if you experience pain or sensitivity when you chew, the crown may be placed too high. Consult your dentist to have it fixed.
- Chipped crown
Crowns made of porcelain are more prone to chipping than other materials. When this happens, resin can be used to fill the chip temporarily if it is small. If the chip is huge, consult your dentist to get it replaced.
- Loose or falling off of crown
At times, the crown may become loose as the cement disintegrates from under the crown. This allows bacteria to enter which will lead to tooth decay. In such cases, you are advised to consult your dentist if your crown feels loose.
If your crown falls off, contact your dentist immediately for temporary measures before your consultation. During the appointment, he will either re-cement the existing crown or make a new one.