Dental Crown

Getting a dental crown is not usually painful because local anaesthesia is used to numb the tooth during preparation. Some patients may notice temporary sensitivity or mild soreness afterwards, especially when eating hot or cold foods, but this often settles within a few days. If discomfort continues or becomes more severe, it is advisable to consult your dentist for assessment.

Three common types of dental crowns include porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic or porcelain, and zirconia crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns balance strength with a natural look, all-ceramic crowns offer the highest aesthetics and are often used for front teeth, while zirconia crowns provide durability and are suitable for both front and back teeth. Other options such as gold or temporary acrylic crowns may also be used depending on the case.

Teeth can still develop decay under a crown if plaque builds up around the margins or if oral hygiene is not maintained. The crown itself does not decay, but the natural tooth beneath it can be affected by recurrent caries or gum disease. Good daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental reviews help prevent these problems.

A dental crown can be replaced more than once if needed, but the number of times depends on the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Each replacement usually involves further adjustment to the natural tooth, so repeated replacements may not always be possible indefinitely. Consulting a dentist for a proper assessment can help determine whether your crown can be replaced again or if another treatment option is more suitable.

Yes, CHAS subsidies can be used for permanent crowns, with subsidy amounts ranging from about $410.00 for Orange cardholders to $625.00 for Pioneer Generation cardholders from October 2025. From mid-2026, seniors aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave (up to $400 per year) for crowns at CHAS clinics, in addition to subsidies. As amounts vary, it is advisable to check with your dental clinic on the cost of treatment and eligibility for subsidies.

A dental crown procedure is considered a routine dental treatment rather than a major procedure. It usually requires one or two visits and involves reshaping the tooth, taking an impression or scan, and fitting the crown securely in place. While it is more involved than a simple filling, it is generally straightforward and widely performed in dental practice.

A root canal is generally considered more complex than a dental crown because it treats infection inside the tooth, while a crown restores its external structure. Both are carried out under local anaesthesia, so discomfort during the procedure is usually minimised. Some mild soreness may follow either treatment, but it often improves within a few days. It is advisable to consult a dentist for assessment of which procedure you need and what to expect in terms of comfort.

You can usually eat once the anaesthesia wears off after a dental crown procedure, but it is often advised to wait a few hours to avoid accidentally biting the tongue or cheek. With a temporary crown, softer foods are recommended to reduce the risk of dislodgement. Once the permanent crown is fitted and bonded, normal eating habits can usually resume. Always follow your dentist’s instructions on eating and drinking after a dental crown.

Placing a dental crown typically takes two visits lasting about one to two hours each. The first visit is for tooth preparation, impressions or scans, and fitting a temporary crown, while the second visit is for placing the permanent crown.

Crowns and implants serve different purposes, so one is not strictly better than the other. A crown restores a natural tooth that still has a healthy root, while an implant replaces a missing tooth with an artificial root and crown. The choice depends on whether the natural tooth can be preserved or requires extraction. Consulting a dentist can help determine whether a crown or an implant is the more appropriate treatment in your situation.

Dental crowns are usually provided by a general dentist trained in restorative dentistry, while more complex cases may involve a prosthodontist who specialises in crowns, bridges, and implants. Both can design and place crowns depending on the situation. The choice often depends on the health of the tooth, the complexity of the treatment, and whether appearance or durability is the main priority.

A root canal is not always required before placing a dental crown. Crowns can restore teeth that are structurally weak, cracked, or heavily filled without root canal therapy. However, if the pulp inside the tooth is infected or badly damaged, a root canal is usually done first to remove the infection before fitting the crown. It is advisable to consult a dentist to assess whether a root canal is necessary in your case.

A dental crown can seem costly because it involves multiple steps, high-quality materials, laboratory fabrication, and precise fitting to restore function and appearance. The price also reflects the skill, technology, and time required for treatment, especially if advanced materials such as zirconia or all-ceramic crowns are chosen. Costs vary between clinics and depend on material choice and case complexity. At True Dental Studio, we offer dental crown from $1,199 to S$1,635 NETT per unit, inclusive of GST.

A dental crown may need replacing if it becomes loose, cracked, chipped, or causes persistent discomfort. Visible gaps at the edges, decay underneath, or changes in your bite are also signs that a crown may no longer function properly. While crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, problems can occur earlier. Regular dental check-ups help monitor the condition of your crown and determine whether repair, adjustment, or replacement is required.

Dental crowns are designed as a long-term restoration but are not permanent, as they may eventually need replacement due to wear, damage, or decay at the margins. With proper care, crowns can last for many years, often a decade or more, depending on the material used. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene play an important role in maintaining their lifespan.

Dental crowns do not commonly come off if they are well-fitted and properly maintained, but it can happen if the cement weakens, the underlying tooth structure changes, or the crown is exposed to heavy forces such as teeth grinding. Loosening is more likely with older or temporary crowns. If a crown falls off, it should be refitted or replaced promptly. Regular check-ups help monitor crown stability and detect potential issues early.