A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength and appearance when a filling alone isn’t enough.
When is a crown recommended?
- A tooth with a large filling and little natural tooth left
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A back tooth after root canal treatment
- A badly worn tooth
- To improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
- To cover a dental implant
Types of crowns
- All-ceramic or zirconia: natural-looking and strong, suitable for front and back teeth.
- Porcelain fused to metal: strong, with a tooth-coloured surface.
- Gold or metal alloy: very durable, mainly used for back teeth.
Your dentist will recommend a material based on the tooth’s position, your bite and appearance.
The process
- First visit: the tooth is numbed and shaped, an impression or scan is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted.
- The crown is made by a dental laboratory to match your teeth.
- Second visit: the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked and cemented.
Caring for your crown
Brush and clean between your teeth as normal. A crown can’t decay, but the tooth underneath can, especially at the edge near the gum. Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects.
Cost
Crowns at Dr H.B Mohamed’s practice in Lenasia start from R3 000 for cash patients. The final cost depends on the material and the tooth. We claim directly from all medical aids. See our fees.