Dental crowns near you: What you need to know!Think of your tooth enamel as a hard, outer shell protecting your teeth from the pressures and force of everyday chewing and biting. Enamel also keeps a solid barrier between your vulnerable, soft inner tooth and harmful oral bacteria which could cause infection or inflammation. We have a lot to thank enamel for! But when your outer tooth becomes damaged or deteriorates from a large cavity, your tooth can lose this valuable protection. To reinforce your tooth’s defenses, as well as to provide a beautiful, natural-looking restoration, our Docklands dental practice places dental crowns. To learn more about crowns, and what to expect when you receive one, continue reading below!

If you are looking for dental crowns in Docklands, and do not know where to turn, consider Docklands Dental Studio! Our convenient location in the Victoria Harbour Precinct means you can receive high-quality dental care without the long commute. For patients outside of the Docklands area, our practice is easily accessible by public transit. Docklands Dental Studio is just a 30-minute commute from North Melbourne or West Melbourne by taking a bus or tram into the city. Then, hop on Tram Number 11 or 48 from Collins St towards Docklands and get off at Collins Landing (Stop D17).

Our team of dentists are knowledgeable and capable of handing restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry treatments. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our practice today!

For Strength and Beauty

Dental crowns are placed for either restorative or cosmetic purposes. Most often, our dentists choose dental crown treatment when there is significant damage to the tooth enamel which cannot be corrected by a filling alone. This includes teeth that are:

  • Chipped
  • Cracked
  • Broken
  • Decayed

Dental crowns are used in conjunction with other restorative procedures such as root canal therapy and dental implants, to provide a replacement for the lost or damaged tooth crown. In these cases, the primary procedures must first be completed before a dental crown is placed.

For other patients, however, dental crowns are part of a smile makeover treatment to correct a tooth that is:

  • Misshapen
  • Under-sized
  • Deeply discolored
  • Dull

When professional teeth whitening or dental bonding treatments are not enough, dental crowns can be a long-lasting cosmetic solution for unaesthetic teeth.

A Closer Look at Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be created from a variety of materials including metal alloys, zirconia, composite resin, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Our team prefers using tooth-colored crowns to help maintain a natural, uninterrupted smile. For that reason, we often select zirconia (a strong white metallic substance), porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal for our restorations. Depending on the location of the affected tooth, the goal of the treatment (either restorative or cosmetic) your smile goals, and budget, we can select the material that will best fit you.

Preparing for a Dental Crown

Before receiving a crown, your dentist will x-ray and examine the affected tooth and surrounding structures.

During this exam, your dentist makes sure that the delicate inner tooth is in good shape before placing a dental crown. If the inner tooth (or “pulp”) has become infected or inflamed due to the broken or deteriorated enamel, root canal therapy may be needed. This removes all infection and inflammation, and protects the rest of your teeth and gums by eliminating the possibility of the infection spreading. It also ensures the tooth does not cause additional pain.

The First Appointment

Before the final crown can be placed, the natural tooth must be shaped in order to fit under the dental crown. This shaping allows the crown to fit naturally, without seeming bulky or over-sized. A local anesthetic is first applied to dull feeling and keep you comfortable before shaping begins. Your dentist will then carefully eliminate any decay and remove outer layers of enamel. This process should not cause pain.

Once the tooth is cleaned and prepped, dental impressions are taken to help the dental laboratory technicians create a custom dental crown.

Fitting Your Final Crown

When the final crown is completed, it will be sent to our office ready for placement. Your dentist will first check that it fits comfortably before permanently bonding it to the tooth; sometimes, slight adjustments to the natural tooth shape may need to be made again to ensure proper fit. Once ready, your dentists applies bonding cement to the inside of the crown before securely placing it onto your natural tooth. The bonding process occurs very quickly, producing a long-lasting bond that will hold up to daily eating and drinking.

Recovery and Care

Patients who receive dental crowns are usually ready to return to daily activities immediately. Some sensitivity is normal for the first few days or weeks following treatment. However, if discomfort or pain persists after receiving your final crown, always contact our practice. Slight adjustments to the shape of your crown could help reduce pressure on the restored tooth and alleviate symptoms.

Caring for your crown is much like caring for your natural teeth: brush twice daily with a soft-bristled crush, and floss once a day. It is also a good idea to avoid chewing on tough or hard foods directly on the crown, as much as possible. Most dental crowns last about eight to 10 years before needing to be replaced. You can help extend the life of your crown by taking good care of it at home and receiving regular dental cleanings and exams every six months.

Docklands Dental Crown Treatment

When it comes to restorative or cosmetic dental care in Docklands, choose Docklands Dental Studio! ·Our patient-focused practice emphasizes education, trust, and comfort, and will work to ensure you have a positive, pain-free experience while in our care. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our approach to care, connect with us via email at info@docklandsdentalstudio.com.au, or over the phone at (03) 9021 9487.

Our practice is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 – 5pm, with Thursday extended hours until 6pm, and Saturday from 9 – 1pm.