Sydney Smile Centre in Pagewood offers porcelain and ceramic dental crowns to restore damaged, cracked or weakened teeth. Crowns protect your natural tooth while matching the appearance of your surrounding teeth. We accept all major health funds via HICAPS and offer interest-free payment plans. Call 02 9349 2387 to book.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. Crowns are one of the most common restorative dental treatments and can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Your dentist may recommend a crown in the following situations:
- After root canal therapy: A root canal-treated tooth becomes more brittle and a crown protects it from fracture
- Large filling replacement: When a tooth has a large filling that is failing or the remaining tooth structure is too weak to support a new filling
- Cracked or fractured tooth: A crown holds the tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading
- Severe decay: When a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but can still be saved
- Cosmetic improvement: To improve the shape, colour or alignment of a misshapen or discoloured tooth
- Dental implant restoration: A crown is placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
Types of Dental Crowns
Several materials are available, each with different properties:
- Porcelain (ceramic): The most natural-looking option. Ideal for front teeth and visible areas. Blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Combines the strength of a metal core with a porcelain outer layer. Good for back teeth where more force is applied during chewing.
- Zirconia: Extremely strong and tooth-coloured. Suitable for both front and back teeth. Increasingly popular due to its combination of durability and aesthetics.
- Gold alloy: Highly durable and gentle on opposing teeth. Rarely used today for cosmetic reasons but still an excellent option for back teeth where appearance is less of a concern.
Dr Garcia and Dr Hedges will recommend the best material for your specific situation based on the tooth’s location, the amount of remaining natural tooth structure, and your personal preferences.
What Happens During the Crown Procedure?
Getting a dental crown at Sydney Smile Centre typically involves two appointments:
- First appointment (preparation): The tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic to create space for the crown. An impression or digital scan is taken and sent to the dental laboratory. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.
- Second appointment (fitting): The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is checked for fit, bite and colour match. Once approved, it is cemented permanently in place.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Some crowns last over 20 years. To maximise the lifespan of your crown:
- Brush twice daily and floss around the crown
- Avoid chewing ice, hard lollies or using your teeth to open packaging
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Attend regular dental check-ups at Sydney Smile Centre for monitoring
Dental Crowns at Sydney Smile Centre Pagewood
Our practice is at Shop 1, 16 Maroubra Road, Pagewood NSW 2035. We serve patients from Maroubra, Mascot, Botany, Kensington, Kingsford, Randwick, Coogee, Eastgardens and surrounding suburbs. Free parking via Glanfield Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Pagewood?
The cost of a dental crown depends on the material used and the complexity of the case. We provide a detailed quote after your examination. Private health insurance with dental extras typically covers a significant portion of the cost. Interest-free payment plans are also available at Sydney Smile Centre.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
No. The tooth preparation is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after the anaesthetic wears off, which resolves within a day or two.
Can a dental crown fall off?
While uncommon, a crown can loosen or come off if the cement breaks down, the underlying tooth decays, or if you bite into something very hard. If your crown comes off, keep it safe and call Sydney Smile Centre on 02 9349 2387 — we can often re-cement the original crown.
Is a dental crown better than a large filling?
When a tooth has lost a significant amount of its structure, a crown provides better protection and distributes biting forces more evenly than a large filling. Your dentist will recommend a crown when it offers a better long-term outcome than a filling.
Are dental crowns covered by health insurance?
Yes. Most private health insurance plans with dental extras cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns. Sydney Smile Centre processes claims instantly via HICAPS. We also accept Medicare CDBS for eligible children and DVA.
