Dental crowns: types, prices and lifespan

A crown covers a damaged tooth completely and takes on the chewing load. It is offered when a filling no longer holds its shape or when a tooth needs protection after root canal treatment. We explain which crowns exist, how much they cost in Irpin and how long they last.

When the dentist suggests a crown

The dentist sets the indications after an examination and X-rays. The most common situations:

• a large part of the tooth crown is destroyed;
• there is a crack that reaches the root;
• the tooth has been treated for root canals and needs protection from splitting;
• severe wear or a colour change that a restoration cannot correct;
• a missing tooth is replaced with a crown on an implant;
• the shape needs restoring after an injury.

A crown does not replace treatment. First the dentist treats inflammation, canals or gums, and only then makes the restoration. Otherwise the problem returns under the cap.

Sometimes monitoring is enough. If the defect is small and the tooth walls are intact, the dentist suggests a filling or an inlay.

The choice of restoration depends on the zone. Aesthetics matter on front teeth, strength on chewing teeth. So one person may have crowns made of different materials.

A crown is not placed on a tooth with acute inflammation. First the pain must be relieved and the condition stabilised. Otherwise the complication returns under the restoration.

When a filling is not enough

A filling restores part of the tooth and holds on its own walls. If there are too few walls, the material starts to work against splitting. Then even a large restoration cannot withstand chewing.

The second case is a tooth after root canal treatment. Such a tooth loses part of its moisture and becomes more brittle. A crown distributes the load over the whole surface.

The third is repeat treatment. Every filling replacement reduces the volume of healthy tissue. At some point a crown becomes a more conservative solution than a fourth restoration.

The decision is made by the condition of the tissues, not by the size of the defect in a photo. The dentist assesses wall thickness, the bite and the load on that specific tooth.

Types of crowns: materials

Metal-ceramic

A metal frame is covered with ceramic. The restoration is strong and affordable. The frame may show through near the gums, so it is placed on front teeth less often.

E.max ceramic

Glass-ceramic without metal transmits the natural translucency of enamel. It is often chosen for front teeth. On chewing teeth it is placed under moderate load.

Zirconia crowns

A zirconium dioxide frame is strong and biocompatible. Such crowns suit chewing teeth and bridges. Aesthetics depend on the veneering method.

Crown on an implant

The restoration is attached to an abutment, not to a natural tooth. The material is chosen the same way: metal-ceramic, ceramic or zirconia.

Comparison of materials

The table gives a guide. The final choice depends on which tooth is restored and how heavily it is loaded.

Fabrication stages

• consultation and treatment plan;
• tooth preparation;
• an impression or a digital scan;
• trying on the restoration;
• fixation with permanent cement.

At the consultation the dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays and explains the options. If root canal treatment is needed, it is done before prosthetics.

Preparation means removing a thin layer of tissue to the thickness of the future crown. The volume depends on the material. Then the dentist takes an impression or scans the jaw with a scanner.

While the restoration is being made, the patient wears a temporary crown. It protects the tooth and preserves aesthetics. At the try-in the dentist checks the margin, the contacts with neighbouring teeth and the colour.

Fixation completes the work. Afterwards the dentist checks the bite and gives recommendations for the first days.

In the first days slight sensitivity to cold is possible. It passes on its own. If the pain does not ease, book a check-up.

Do not postpone bite correction. Wrong contact overloads the crown and neighbouring teeth.

Crown prices in Irpin

The dentist gives the exact sum after the examination. The price depends on the material, the number of teeth and previous treatment. The full price list is on the prices page.

Lifespan

Under favourable conditions metal-ceramic lasts about 10-15 years. Ceramic and zirconia usually last longer. This is a guide, not a promise: the lifespan depends on hygiene, the bite and habits.

Bruxism shortens the life of any restoration. Constant clenching overloads the ceramic and the crown margin. If the dentist sees signs of bruxism, they may recommend a protective splint.

A chip or delamination of the veneer does not always mean replacement. Sometimes the restoration is repaired. The decision depends on the size of the defect and the condition of the frame.

Crown care

• brush your teeth twice a day;
• use floss or an interdental brush at the crown margin;
• avoid very hard food and nail biting;
• attend check-ups every 6 months;
• have professional hygiene.

A crown does not get caries, but the tooth under it stays alive. Plaque can accumulate at the margin. So hygiene at the margin matters no less than brushing the rest of the teeth.

If the gums near the crown bleed or there is an odour, book a check-up. Early correction is simpler than redoing the work.

What to do if a crown chips

Keep the fragment and call the clinic. Do not try to glue it yourself: household glue is toxic and damages the surface.

Before the visit avoid chewing on that side. If the edge is sharp, the dentist may recommend temporary protection. A sharp edge injures the tongue and cheek.

Про те, як довго служать звичайні реставрації, читайте в статті скільки служить пломба. Про вибір між керамікою та композитом - у матеріалі вініри: кераміка чи композит.

Details about the types of restorations are on the dental crowns page. All treatment areas are collected in the prosthodontics section.