Single-visit crowns – 2-3 hr appointment (with lots of breaks)
For most situations a porcelain crown is the chosen option and we routinely do these in a single visit using our Cerec technology. This high-tech, one-visit solution uses 3D imaging and precision milling, allowing you to walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a perfectly crafted, custom-fitted crown—no need for multiple appointments, repeated numbing or messy impressions!
Other crowns - 2 appointments
Sometimes we recommend a metal crown if there is a clear advantage for your tooth or in cases where more complex porcelain work is necessary, we may not be able to do your crown in a single visit. These options are always discussed in depth with you beforehand.
FIRST APPOINTMENT – approx. 2 hours
The tooth is examined, cleaned, and shaped to fit the crown. A digital impression is taken (no more goopy stuff) and a custom temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is fabricated in a lab. We use high quality labs, usually interstate, so it can take 3-4 weeks for the final crown to come back.
SECOND APPOINTMENT – approx. 30 mins
The permanent crown is checked for fit and aesthetics. Sometimes minor adjustments are made before being permanently bonded to the tooth. Final checks for bite and fit are made, excess cement removed and the procedure is complete. We will go through any special instructions for taking case of your new crown before you leave.
No matter which material is used and how many appointments it takes, dental crowns are an investment in long-term dental health, as they help prevent further damage to the affected tooth and avoid more expensive procedures later on.
No, the material recommended for your tooth is based on your aesthetic needs and chewing capacity. Cerec simply allows us to deliver it in a more convenient way. We will never compromise on the ideal treatment option for you – this is why all our crown costs are similar.
No, we use our super gentle, computer controlled, local anaesthetic delivery system to numb you for the procedure. It’s just like having a fancy filling!
Of course not! We are simply here to give you all your options, explaining the pros and cons of each one. Even though we may recommend a particular type of crown, ultimately it is your decision and we don’t judge or criticise you for this.
It is important to understand that if you request a treatment that may be unnecessarily harmful to your tooth or dental health, then we have an ethical responsibility to decline treatment.
The main risk with any dental crown procedure is the risk of the pulp (nerve) becoming irritated afterwards and eventually, dying. If this happens then a root canal or extraction of the tooth are often the only two options. The degree of risk is based on the condition of the tooth itself and its treatment history. We do our utmost best to be careful and minimise this risk, however, it is unavoidable in a small percentage of cases.
It is important to understand that although the crown procedure may have triggered the pulp irritation, teeth that usually require crowns are often already weak or broken down, so the pulp risks are there even if a crown is not placed.
No procedure is risk free and we understand the importance of an open and honest discussion about these risks and a plan to manage them, should the unexpected happen.
Costs can vary slightly depending on material chosen, however, we don’t want costs to dictate what material is best for your tooth so all our crowns cost approximately $2000 per tooth.
