Dental Crown FAQ

What are the benefits of dental crowns?

Dental crowns are an effective way of restoring damaged teeth so that you can continue to use your mouth, jaw, and teeth as you would normally. A dental crown can support and restore strength to a tooth that has:
 

• been badly damaged by dental decay

• requires support after root canal treatment

• is severely worn down, possibly as a result of grinding

• is cracked and broken

• requires a dental bridge
   

The cosmetic benefits offered by dental crowns are another key reason why they are a popular choice of treatment. Crowns can improve the appearance of the teeth by:
 

• hiding discolored or stained teeth

• adding height or width to teeth that are misshapen or undersized

• covering a dental implant
   

Dental crowns have also been shown to last longer than any other type of dental restoration, including implants and fillings.
 

Are there any negatives to dental crowns?

While thousands of dental crown procedures are performed across the country on a daily basis, there are still a few considerations that you should take into account before opting for this type of treatment:
 

• The main disadvantage of crowns is that they require a significant amount of preparation before they can be fitted. This is because the damaged tooth needs to be filed down to such a size where the crown can fit comfortably over the top, and so you can expect your tooth to be filed in both height and width. This usually means that you will need to make several visits to your dentists’ office. It also means that in some cases where the original tooth is very badly damaged or has inadequate access, a dental crown may not be able to be fitted.

• There is a slight risk of nerve damage associated with dental crowns and approximately 1-15% of patients will require root canal treatment.

• There is also a small risk of infection. If the affected tooth is not thoroughly cleaned out and sealed an infection is more likely to develop.

• There is also a minor risk of an allergic reaction. A small number of patients may experience a reaction to the materials used to create the crown.
   

How long can I expect my crown to last?

The life of your crown will vary depending on a number of factors including the amount of wear and tear the tooth is exposed to, and how well you look after your crown and surrounding teeth. However, you can typically expect your new crown to last between 5 and 15 years.
 

Will my dental crown be covered by my insurance?

In the majority of cases, crowns are required for functional reasons and as such, are usually covered by most dental insurers, although coverage may be limited to a particular type of crown, for example, metal. However, we strongly recommend that you speak to your personal insurer about your individual policy to check that you are covered before you start your procedure.