What is a Dental Crown and Why Do I Need One?

If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, you might be wondering: What exactly is it? Is it really necessary? And is it just another expensive dental procedure that I don’t really need? At My Local Dentists, we understand that dental care should be transparent, informative, and built on trust. This blog will explore everything you need to know about dental crowns — from what they are and how they work to why they are not a money grab, but a vital restoration for your long-term oral health.

Table of Contents

• What is a Dental Crown? 
• Types of Dental Crowns
• Why Might I Need a Dental Crown?
• The Dental Crown Procedure Explained
• What is a dental bridge?
• How Long Do Dental Crowns Last? 
• Are Dental Crowns Worth the Cost? 
• Common Myths About Dental Crowns
• Dental Crowns in Sydney – Why Choose My Local Dentists 
• Conclusion 
• References 

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Essentially, it acts like a helmet that protects your natural tooth structure beneath.

Dental crowns are used when a simple filling isn’t strong enough to restore or protect a tooth. They wrap the tooth to bind and hold everything together, providing structural support and aesthetic improvement.

At My Local Dentists, we create crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth using high-quality materials tailored to each patient.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of dental crowns, each with its own advantages depending on your needs, budget, and preferences:

1. Porcelain Crowns

• Ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance and great aesthetics
• Custom-coloured to match surrounding teeth
• Biocompatible and metal-free

2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

• Stronger than full porcelain crowns
• Suitable for back teeth and bridges or when a patient has a strong heavy bite
• Can show a dark line at the gum over time

3. Zirconia Crowns

• Very strong, stronger than PFM
• Very durable
• Less likely to chip or crack

4. Gold or Metal Crowns

• Very strong, durable and long-lasting
• Often used for molars especially in people who grind or clench
• Not aesthetically pleasing for visible teeth
• Usually the most expensive due to the precious metal costs

5. Same-Day CEREC Crowns

• Designed and milled in one appointment using CAD/CAM technology
• No need for temporary crowns or multiple visits
• Different materials used depending on the position of tooth and colour preferences

Why Might I Need a Dental Crown?

Dentists recommend crowns for a range of medical and cosmetic reasons. Here are some of the most common scenarios:

1. To Restore a Severely Decayed Tooth

When a tooth is too damaged, the normal dental filling simply isn’t strong enough to protect the tooth properly or the remaining tooth structure is too weak to withstand your chewing and biting forces. So a dental crown can provide full coverage protection and prevent further decay, cracks or fractures.

2. After Root Canal Therapy

Teeth that have undergone root canals are often already very brittle and weak due to a large cavity that damaged the nerve of the tooth in the first place. Since the nerve is already not working, your brain also doesn’t know how heavy it might be biting onto the tooth, so a dental crown reinforces the tooth and prevents fractures.

3. To Repair a Cracked or Broken Tooth

If a tooth is cracked or fractured in a way that is unfavourable for a dental filling to last and protect the tooth long term, a crown can hold it together and restore its function.

4. To Support a Large Filling

When more than half the tooth is filling, there’s little natural structure left. A crown provides the necessary strength to sit over the tooth and filling.

5. To Cover a Misshapen or Discoloured Tooth

For aesthetic improvements, crowns can help restore the natural look of your smile.

6. To Anchor a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are used in situations where you might have a missing tooth in between 2 other teeth.  There might be 3 crowns joined together, one crown attached to the tooth in front of the gap, one crown attached to the tooth behind the gap and one crown connected in the middle to both of them to form a bridge.  Dental bridges are essentially 2 or more crowns that are joined together to support an artificial crown that is used to replace the gap of a missing tooth. Not all dental bridges work the same so you need tailored advice and treatment for your specific needs

7. To Complete a Dental Implant

When you have a missing tooth or teeth, you can place metal implants into your jaw bone which will support a crown that sits on top of the screw.  Implants require crowns to function like a natural tooth above the gum line.

The Dental Crown Procedure Explained

The dental crown process typically involves two visits, unless you’re receiving a same-day CEREC crown. Here’s a breakdown:

Step 1: Examination and Preparation

Your dentist will examine the tooth using X-rays to assess the roots and surrounding bone. Depending on the status of your tooth, you may need to have local anesthetic to numb the tooth so the procedure is comfortable. The tooth is then conservatively shaved and polished and shaped to allow enough space for the crown to sit over the tooth. There needs to be enough space for the crown to be thick and strong enough to sit on the tooth and allow you to bite against the opposing tooth comfortably

Step 2: Impressions

Digital or traditional impressions are taken to create a precise model of your tooth.

Step 3: Temporary Crown (if needed)

A temporary crown may be placed on your tooth to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made in the lab. You are often advised to avoid chewing and biting onto this temporary crown

Step 4: Crown Placement

Once ready, the temporary crown is removed and a permanent crown is cemented in place, adjusted for fit, and polished.

At My Local Dentists, we use advanced scanning technology and accurate impression techniques to ensure accuracy and comfort throughout the procedure.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap between remaining teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place and supported by crowns that are cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants (called abutments).

Common Types of Dental Bridges

1. Traditional Bridge
   • Most common type.
   • Uses dental crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap (one on each side).
   • Best when you have strong natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
2. Cantilever Bridge
   • Attached to only one adjacent tooth.
   • Less common and used when there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap.
   • Not ideal in areas with heavy chewing pressure (e.g., molars).

✅ Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Restore ability to chew and speak properly
• Maintain facial shape and prevent bone loss
• Prevent shifting of surrounding teeth
• Distribute bite forces evenly
• Provide a fixed, non-removable solution

❌ Drawbacks or Considerations

• Adjacent teeth may need to be shaved down (if using a traditional bridge) – this isn’t so much of an issue if the adjacent teeth already have fillings or are needing restorative work anyway
• It is not safe to have a dental bridge that extends too long because it may not be strong enough to support the biting and chewing forces
• Not as long-lasting as implants
• If any of the adjacent teeth have gum/bone problems or decay problems then the whole dental bridge needs to be replaced.
• May need replacement after 10–15 years
• Risk of decay or gum disease if hygiene isn’t maintained

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are not lifetime solutions, but with proper care, they can last 10–15 years or more. We need to remember how your tooth ended up needing a crown in the first place – was it poor eating or brushing habits or simply an accident? Some factors affecting longevity include:

• • • Oral hygiene habits – poor oral hygiene means more germs and plaque which can cause tooth decay underneath the crown or cause the crown to come loose
    • Diet habits – too much sugar can cause tooth decay which can lead to problems underneath the crown causing the foundation to fail
    • Tooth grinding (bruxism)
    • Type of material used
    • Location of the crown

We recommend regular check-ups and cleanings at My Local Dentists to monitor your crown and overall dental health.

Are Dental Crowns Worth the Cost?

It’s easy to assume dental crowns are expensive or unnecessary. But here’s the truth: Dental crowns are a long term investment in your oral health. Let’s break down why they’re worth it.

1. They Prevent Bigger Problems

Leaving a cracked or decayed tooth untreated can lead to infection, abscess, or even tooth extractions — requiring more expensive procedures like root canals or implants.

2. They Protect Your Natural Tooth

Crowns preserve the natural tooth structure, avoiding extractions and future dental complications.

3. They Improve Function and Aesthetics

Chewing becomes easier, and your smile looks more natural and confident.

4. They’re Custom-Made

Dental crowns are tailored specifically for your tooth, not one-size-fits-all solutions. This means they offer optimal comfort and function.

5. They save you money in the long run

You might pay $250-$400 for a filling that keeps breaking or cracking every couple of years because its not strong enough. Continuously replacing your fillings may end up costing you more in the long run, especially if the tooth breaks more each time and in the worst scenario you lose the tooth and end up needing a denture or dental implant.

In Australia, the cost of a dental crown ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the material and clinic. At My Local Dentists, we offer transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and accept all major health funds.

Common Myths About Dental Crowns

❌ Myth: Crowns Are Just a Way for Dentists to Make Money

✅ Truth: Crowns are medically indicated restorations based on structural needs to protect the tooth. They’re not typically elective procedures, and dentists are required to act in your best interest.

❌ Myth: A Filling Is Always Enough

✅ Truth: For small cavities, yes — but large fillings compromise the tooth’s strength. A crown provides full coverage and longevity.

❌ Myth: Crowns Always Fall Off

✅ Truth: Properly placed crowns are secure and long-lasting. Issues usually arise from poor hygiene or trauma, not the crown itself. Why did the tooth get damaged and weak in the first place?

Dental Crowns in Sydney – Why Choose My Local Dentists

At My Local Dentists, your comfort and care are our top priorities. With locations throughout Sydney including Auburn, Leichhardt, Northbridge, Northmead, Seven Hills and West Ryde, Leichhardt, we’re proud to provide high-quality dental crowns with:

• Experienced dentists and specialists
• State-of-the-art technology
• Custom crown design and colour matching
• Gentle and patient-centred approach
• Emergency crown services
• Flexible appointments including weekends

We believe in honest dental care and will never recommend a crown unless it is genuinely necessary for your oral health.

Conclusion

A dental crown is not just a cap — it’s a carefully crafted solution to protect, strengthen, and enhance a damaged tooth. Whether you’re dealing with decay, cracks, or cosmetic concerns, crowns offer a durable and effective way to restore your smile.

If you’re in Sydney and looking for expert dental care, My Local Dentists is here to help. Our friendly team will walk you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and ensure your experience is stress-free.

🦷 Book your dental crown consultation today — your smile is worth it!

References

1. Australian Dental Association (ADA) – https://www.ada.org.au
2. Better Health Channel – Dental Crowns: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
3. Healthdirect Australia – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crowns
4. Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/crowns/about/pac-20393224

Colgate Oral Health Center – https://www.colgate.com/en-au/oral-health/crowns