What it is
It is about what is left, not what is missing.
A filling replaces missing tooth structure. A crown holds the remaining structure together, which is a different job. Once a tooth is mostly filling, or has a crack running through a cusp, adding more filling material makes it more likely to split, not less.
- A tooth hurts sharply when you bite and then stops
- A large old filling keeps chipping at the edges
- A cusp has broken off
- The tooth has had root canal therapy
- There is more filling than tooth
- A crack is visible in the enamel
What the visit is like
Two visits, usually.
- Shaping and an impressionThe tooth is freezed and reduced so the crown has room, then scanned or impressioned. This is the longer of the two visits.
- A temporary crownYou leave with a temporary while the permanent one is made. It is not as strong, so avoid anything very hard or sticky on that side.
- Fitting the permanent crownShorter visit. We check the fit, the contact with neighbouring teeth and the bite before it is cemented.
- Bite check and a follow-up if neededSame as a filling, a high crown is the usual reason for aching afterwards and it is a quick adjustment.
Cost and coverage
You should never be surprised by a bill.
Every plan arrives with the fee beside each line and the insurance estimate beside that, before you agree to anything. We submit to your plan directly where it allows it, and we are set up for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Fees for this are quoted in writing after an exam, per tooth and per surface. Nobody can price it accurately from a website or over the phone.
Common questions
Asked on the phone most weeks.
How long does a crown last?
Can I just have another filling instead?
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Booking
Say what it is when you call.
If it is pain, say that -- it changes how the day gets arranged. If it is a checkup for three people, say that too and we will try to put you in one morning.
Also at Brightside