Our Location
Specialist Dental Group
Henry Lee Dental Surgery
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-08, #08-10
Singapore 228510
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Closed on Sundays/Public Holidays
Clinic Phone (65) 6734 9393
Fax (65) 6733 6032
Dental Crowns
What are Crowns?
Crowns are restorations that cover or cap teeth, restoring them to their natural size, shape, and color. Crowns are indicated when there is a need to strengthen teeth that are mechanically weakened (e.g. teeth with large cavities).
Crowns may also be used for modifying the color or position of teeth.
Benefits of Crowns
Crowns not only help appearance, but can also save a tooth that might otherwise be lost.
- Restores structural integrity to your tooth and improves its appearance.
- Corrects teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.
- Covers and supports a tooth in the following situations:
- where there is not enough tooth left for a filling;
- to attach a bridge;
- to protect a weak tooth from breaking or even restore one that is already broken;
- to cover a dental implant.
Even a poorly maintained or badly damaged tooth can benefit from a well-designed and correctly-placed crown.
What does the procedure involve?
- Consultation and Assessment
Prior to the crown being placed, your dentist will assess whether you also need to have a root canal treatment on the tooth (endodontic treatment). Root canal treatment is usually recommended where there is extensive decay or risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp (see Root Canal Treatment)
- Preparation for the Crown
Just like building a house, a crown may also require a foundation build up. In general, approximately 1mm of weakened tooth structure will be removed in order to make a crown.
An impression of the tooth will then be made. While the crown is being made by the dental laboratory, you will be given a temporary crown. This is usually made of resin and not meant to last forever.
- The Fitting of the Crown
Once the crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and test to see if the permanent crown fits well. Once everything is in order, the crown will be cemented to the tooth.
How much time before the whole process is completed?
Two visits are usually required to complete the process, assuming that root canal treatment is not required. The first visit is the consultation and tooth preparation, and the second visit involves the fitting of the permanent crown.
The treatment can be completed in as little as 4-5 days, or over a longer period (depending on when the patient is available to see the dentist for the fitting of the permanent crown). We usually do not recommend using the temporary crown for more than one month.
When will I be able to resume daily activities?
Most of our patients can resume normal daily activities within 2 hours.
Will I be in pain?
There should not be any pain or discomfort after the procedure. However, if your tooth has not undergone root canal treatment (i.e. the nerve is still in the tooth), you may experience some mild sensitivity. It is crucial to take the medication that your dentist prescribes.
How long will the crown last?
Crowned teeth are no stronger or weaker than your own natural teeth. As a matter of fact, crowns are used for strengthening weakened teeth. With proper daily home care and regular professional maintenance (every 6 months check-up), crowned teeth will last for decades.
Research has shown that the success rate for crowns is about 85% to 90% over ten years. This means that out of 100 crowns done, about 10 to 15 of them need to be repaired or done again over time.
