How long do dental crowns last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a dental crown can provide long-term protection for a damaged tooth. How long a crown lasts can vary from person to person depending on factors such as bite force, oral hygiene, and general wear, so your dentist can give you a better idea based on your individual situation.

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area before it is prepared for a crown, so most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity is common for a short time afterwards. If dental anxiety is a concern, our team can also discuss sedation dentistry as an option.

What is a dental crown made of?

Dental crowns can be made from a range of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal alloy. Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the tooth is located, the bite forces involved, and your preferences around appearance.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Not always, but it is common. Teeth can become more brittle after root canal treatment, so a crown is often recommended to protect the tooth from future fracture. Your dentist will assess your individual tooth to determine whether a crown is needed.

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A filling replaces part of a tooth's structure, while a crown fully covers the visible part of the tooth. A filling is usually enough for smaller areas of decay or damage, while a crown is recommended when more of the tooth needs support and protection.

How do I care for a dental crown?

A crown can be cared for much like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. It is also worth avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting down on very hard foods, as these can place extra strain on the crown.

What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options , including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

Can I get a same-day appointment for dental crowns?

Yes, we provide same-day appointments for urgent concerns, subject to availability. If you require urgent emergency dental care , our team will assess your condition and provide care to help relieve pain and stabilise your oral health.

Dental Crowns In Highton Geelong - My Dentist Geelong (Highton)

Q: What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cover placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to protect and strengthen it. It fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gumline, restoring both its function and appearance.

What is A Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are custom-made covers placed over a tooth to help protect the tooth.

Dental crowns are custom-made covers placed over a tooth to help protect and strengthen it. They are commonly used when a tooth has been heavily restored, weakened after root canal treatment, or damaged in a way that a regular filling may no longer be enough.

Unlike a filling, which replaces part of a tooth’s structure, a crown fully covers the visible part of the tooth above the gumline, giving it a new outer surface to bite and chew with.

A well-made dental crown can restore both function and appearance, helping you chew more comfortably while improving the look of the affected tooth.

Our team can assess your tooth and consult with you on whether a crown is the right option, and how we would go about creating one that suits you.

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Signs You May Need A Dental Crown

A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth needs more protection and support than a standard filling can provide.

Common signs include:

Supporting teeth with large fillings and very little natural tooth left.
Restoring badly broken or decayed teeth.
Protecting cracked or fractured teeth.
Strengthening a tooth after root canal treatment.
Improving the appearance of a tooth when veneers may not be suitable.

If you are unsure whether your tooth needs a crown or another form of treatment, a dental check-up is the best place to start.

Types of Dental Crown Materials

Dental crowns can be made from a few different materials, and the right choice depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, how much bite force it needs to handle, and your priorities around appearance.

Porcelain dental crowns closely match the natural colour of the teeth.

Porcelain or ceramic

Closely matches the natural colour and translucency of surrounding teeth, often preferred for front teeth where appearance matters most.

Zirconia

A strong, hard-wearing material often used for back teeth, where chewing forces are greatest.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

Combines a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for a more natural appearance.

Metal alloy

Highly resistant to wear, though less commonly chosen for visible teeth due to its appearance.

Your dentist will talk you through which material best suits your tooth, taking into account its location, the bite forces it needs to withstand, and how it will look alongside your other teeth.

The Process of Dental Crowns

Getting a dental crown usually involves a few appointments, giving time for your custom crown to be properly designed and made.

The process typically involves covering a damaged or broken tooth with a cap, and you may need more than one visit to complete it.

Dentist showing the X-ray to the patient.

Consultation and assessment

Your dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to check the extent of damage and the health of the surrounding structure.

Dentist removing the damaged tooth to make space for the crown.

Preparing the tooth

The damaged or decayed part of the tooth is removed, and the remaining tooth is shaped to make room for the crown.

Dentist taking impressions of the patientâ€™s teeth.

Taking impressions or digital scans

These are used to design a crown that fits your bite and matches your natural teeth.

A temporary crown helps protect your teeth.

Wearing a temporary crown

While your custom crown is being made, a temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime.

Dentist checking if your dental crown is fitted properly.

Fitting the final crown

Once ready, the permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then fixed in place.

Crowns vs Fillings

Fillings and crowns both restore damaged teeth, but they are suited for different situations.

A filling is generally enough when the damage is limited to a smaller area of the tooth, such as a small cavity. A crown is typically recommended when more of the tooth’s structure has been lost or weakened, and it needs full coverage to stay strong and functional.

If you already have a filling and are noticing ongoing sensitivity, cracking around the filling, or a feeling that the tooth is not as strong as it used to be, it is worth having it checked.

Your dentist can advise whether a filling, a bigger filling, or a crown is the most suitable next step for that particular tooth.

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Caring for Your Dental Crown

Brushing your teeth twice a day will help care for your teeth.

A dental crown is designed to be cared for much like your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular check-ups and dental hygiene appointments all help support the tooth underneath and the surrounding gum tissue.

It is also worth being mindful of habits like chewing ice, grinding your teeth, or biting down on very hard foods, as these can put unnecessary strain on a crown over time.

If a crown ever feels loose, chipped, or uncomfortable when biting down, it is best to get it checked promptly rather than waiting.

Why Choose My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

Choosing where to get a dental crown made and fitted matters, since the fit, shape, and finish of a crown depend on the skill and care that goes into it.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), Dr. Vanessa Yew, Dr. Shin Ying Chia and the team take a personalised approach to restorative care, assessing each tooth carefully before recommending the treatment that best protects it.

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, the clinic also welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

If you have been told you may need a crown, or you are simply unsure what your damaged tooth needs, our team is here to guide you through the options.

Health Funds for Dental Crowns

If you have private health insurance with dental extras, you may be able to claim part of the cost of your dental crown appointment, depending on your level of cover and annual limits. The amount covered can vary between health funds and individual policies, so it is best to check before your appointment.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), our team can help you understand the payment options available at the clinic. Please bring your private health insurance card to your appointment so we can assist with your claim where applicable.

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Dental Crowns in Highton, Geelong