Tooth structure and restorations
Decay, cracks, wear, previous fillings or crowns and the amount of remaining tooth structure help determine whether the tooth can be restored.
DENTAL CROWNS
Dental crowns for teeth that need more support
A dental crown may be considered when a tooth has substantial damage or needs more coverage than a filling can provide. Your dentist assesses the tooth, gums and bite, then explains suitable options, risks, treatment stages and estimated costs before you decide.
Book an assessment online, or call if you have a broken tooth, a lost crown, pain or difficulty chewing. Pain with swelling needs prompt advice.
DENTAL CROWNS appointment details
May be appropriate for
Teeth with large or failing fillings, fractures, significant wear, previous root canal treatment or reduced tooth structure, subject to assessment.
Fees
Costs depend on the tooth, materials, records and other treatment needed. We discuss itemised costs before treatment begins.
Treatment duration
More than one appointment may be needed, depending on the tooth, preparation, type of crown and laboratory requirements.
Start Here
When a dental crown may be considered
A crown covers the visible part of a prepared tooth. It may help support a damaged or heavily restored tooth, but a filling or onlay — a restoration covering part of the chewing surface — may sometimes be suitable. Assessment helps determine whether the tooth can be retained.
Start here if
- 01A tooth has a significant crack, fracture or other damage.
- 02A large filling is failing or little tooth structure remains around it.
- 03A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs its restoration options assessed.
- 04An existing crown is loose, fractured, worn or no longer fits as intended.
Assessment
What your dentist checks
Your dentist examines the tooth and surrounding tissues before planning a crown. The findings show whether it is suitable or whether other care, records or assessment are needed first.
Bite and tooth contacts
Your dentist checks how the tooth meets nearby and opposing teeth. Clenching, grinding and wear can affect the treatment plan and maintenance.
Gums, symptoms and records
Gum health, tenderness, swelling and the tooth’s roots are assessed. X-rays or other records may be recommended when they help guide treatment.
Cleaning access and care
The gumline and spaces around the tooth are checked to plan cleaning access. Plaque build-up and hard-to-clean areas can affect future maintenance.
Your Appointment
What happens at your appointment
The sequence varies with the tooth and type of crown. Some teeth need other treatment or referral first. Your dentist explains the plan, including any temporary stage.
Review the tooth and symptoms
Your dentist reviews your symptoms and history, examines the tooth and bite, and may recommend X-rays, photographs, scans or other records when needed.
Compare suitable options
Discuss suitable restorations, material choices, risks, limitations and estimated fees. Tooth preparation removes some tooth structure; your dentist explains what this involves before you decide.
Prepare and fit the crown
The tooth is shaped and an impression or scan records it. A temporary crown may be needed. The final crown’s fit, bite, contacts and appearance are checked before cementing or bonding.
Crown Care
Cleaning and maintaining a dental crown
The crown and supporting tooth need daily cleaning and review. Your dentist will tailor advice to the crown’s shape, gums, bite and nearby teeth.
- Brush around the gumline and clean between the crowned tooth and adjacent teeth as advised.
- Avoid biting hard objects or foods that put excessive force on the crown. Discuss clenching or grinding with your dentist.
- Call if the crown loosens, chips, feels painful or high in your bite, or causes cleaning difficulties, swelling or an unusual taste.
Related Care
Related care for damaged or missing teeth
Assessment may lead to a smaller repair, care for the tissues inside the tooth or discussion of replacement options. These pages explain related treatments.
Fees, Health Funds, Payment Options
Helpful
FAQs
Questions about dental crowns and tooth care
Find answers about crown materials, appointments, temporary crowns, care, costs and the alternatives your dentist may discuss.
Your dentist assesses how much sound tooth remains, where the damage is and how the tooth handles biting forces. A filling may suit a smaller repair; a crown or onlay may provide broader coverage. Appearance alone cannot show which option is appropriate. The risks and alternatives should be explained after examination.
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