Dental Crowns in Ashburton

When a crown is the right answer

Fillings work well while there’s enough healthy tooth around them. Once a tooth is heavily decayed, cracked, or has had root canal treatment, a filling can act like a wedge — and the tooth eventually splits. A crown does the opposite: it wraps the tooth and holds it together.

We don’t recommend crowns lightly, because preparing one means permanently reducing the tooth. If a smaller restoration such as an inlay or onlay would do the job, we’ll suggest that instead.

Types we use

The process

1. Preparation. The tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic to make room for the crown.
2. Impressions or scan. A digital scan or impression captures the shape, and we match the shade to your neighbouring teeth.
3. Temporary crown. You leave with a temporary while the permanent one is made.
4. Fitting. We check fit, bite and appearance before cementing it permanently. Adjustments happen now, not after.

Signs you may need a crown

• A tooth with a large filling that keeps breaking.
• A cracked tooth, or sharp pain when you bite down and release.
• A back tooth that has had root canal treatment.
• A tooth badly worn down from grinding.

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. A filling or onlay may be enough. For a cosmetic change to front teeth, veneers may be another option. If a tooth is already missing, a bridge or implant may suit instead.

Crowns on root-filled teeth

After root canal treatment, a back tooth can become brittle. A crown helps hold it together under chewing forces. Sometimes a core build-up or post is placed first to give the crown enough support. If very little tooth is left above the gum, crown lengthening may be needed so the crown has something to grip.

Living with your temporary crown

The temporary protects the tooth for a short time. It is not as strong as the final crown.

• Chew on the other side where you can.
• Avoid sticky or hard food, such as toffee, chewing gum and nuts.
• When flossing, slide the floss out sideways instead of lifting it up.
• If it comes off, keep it and call us. Do not leave the tooth uncovered for long.

After the crown is fitted

The tooth may feel slightly sensitive for a few days. If your bite feels high, call us for a quick adjustment. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, paying attention to the gum line where the crown meets the tooth. The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath can. With good care and regular check-ups, a crown can last for many years. If you grind, a night splint may help protect it.

Health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS.

Common questions

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic while it is shaped, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than sharp pain. Some gum tenderness and mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is common. Tell your dentist straight away if you feel anything sharp during treatment.

Can a crown be whitened?

No. Whitening does not change the colour of a crown. If you are thinking about whitening, it is usually done before a front crown is made, so the crown can be matched to your new shade. Talk to your dentist about the order of treatment.

Why does my old crown show a dark line at the gum?

This is often seen with older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, where the metal edge shows as the gum shrinks back. It is not always a health problem. If it bothers you, or there is decay at the edge, the crown can be replaced with an all-ceramic or zirconia crown.