If your dentist has mentioned a dental crown procedure, you might be wondering what it actually involves and whether it'll hurt. A crown is one of the most common ways to rebuild a tooth that's too damaged for a filling, and the process is more straightforward than most people expect. Here at ArtSmiles, we like our patients to know what's coming before they sit in the chair. This guide walks you through each step, what crowns are made of, how long they last, and what they generally cost in Australia.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers your whole tooth. It sits over what's left of the natural tooth and restores its shape, strength and appearance.
Think of it like a snug helmet for a tooth. When a tooth is too weak or broken for a simple filling, a crown holds everything together and lets you bite and chew normally again. It's shaped and coloured to match your other teeth, so it blends in.
Crowns are fixed in place permanently. Once it's cemented, you care for it much like a natural tooth.
When do you need a crown?
Your dentist may suggest a crown for a few different reasons. The common ones are:
A large filling or cavity, where there isn't enough healthy tooth left to hold a normal filling
A cracked or broken tooth that needs protecting from further damage
After a root canal, since the treated tooth becomes more brittle and needs reinforcing
Teeth that have worn down over time, often from grinding
To improve the look of a tooth that's discoloured or oddly shaped
The goal is always the same. A crown protects what's left of your tooth and saves you from losing it.
The dental crown procedure, step by step
The traditional crown is done over two visits, usually a week or two apart. Here's how it goes.
Visit one: preparing the tooth. Your dentist starts with an exam and an X-ray to check the tooth and the bone around it. Then they numb the area with a small injection, so you don't feel the work itself. Next, they shape the tooth, gently removing a thin outer layer so the crown has room to fit over the top. Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist takes an impression (a mould) or a digital scan of it, which gets sent to a dental lab where your crown is custom-made. Before you leave, they fit a temporary crown to protect the tooth while you wait.
Visit two: fitting the final crown. When your crown comes back from the lab, you return for the fitting. Your dentist removes the temporary crown, then checks that the new one fits well and that your bite feels even. When everything looks right, they cement it firmly in place.
Because you're numbed during the preparation, the procedure is generally comfortable. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal, and it usually settles within a few days.
Same-day crowns: the one-visit option
Some practices offer same-day crowns using a system called CEREC, where the crown is designed and milled (carved by a machine) right there in the clinic. This means the tooth can be prepared, and the crown made and fitted, in a single visit.
It's a convenient option for the right tooth and situation, though it isn't suitable for every case. Your dentist can tell you whether it suits yours. If you'd like to see how this works in practice, our article on a same-day CEREC crown for a front tooth walks through a real example.
What dental crowns are made of
Crowns come in a few different materials, and each one balances strength against appearance.
Porcelain or ceramic closely matches the look of a natural tooth, which makes it a popular choice for front teeth
Zirconia is a strong tooth-coloured material that handles heavy chewing well
Porcelain-fused-to-metal combines a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for looks
Gold is very hard-wearing, though it's less common now because of the colour
The right material depends on which tooth needs the crown, how much force it takes when you chew, and how visible it is when you smile. Your dentist will talk you through what suits your tooth. For a deeper look at how these materials compare, see our guide to dental materials.
Crowns and bridges: what's the difference?
People often hear "crowns and bridges" together, but they do different jobs.
A crown covers and restores one existing tooth. A bridge replaces a tooth that's missing altogether. It works by joining crowns on the teeth either side of the gap, with a false tooth fixed in the middle to fill the space.
So a crown rebuilds a tooth you still have, while a bridge fills a gap where a tooth has been lost. You can read more about both on our crowns and bridges page.
How much does a dental crown cost in Australia?
Cost is a fair question, and a common one. A single dental crown in Australia commonly sits in the four-figure range, roughly $1,100 to $2,100, depending on the material and how complex the work is.
That's a guide, not a quote. The exact figure depends on your tooth, the material chosen, and whether any other treatment is needed first. The only way to get an accurate price is a written quote after an assessment, which your dentist provides once they've examined the tooth. If you have private health cover with extras, part of the cost may be covered, so it's worth checking your level of cover.
How long do crowns last and how to care for them
A well-made crown commonly lasts 10 to 15 years, and often longer with good care. How long yours lasts comes down largely to how you look after it.
The good news is that caring for a crown is simple. Brush twice a day and floss as you normally would, since the gum around the crown still needs cleaning. Try not to bite very hard things like ice or pen lids, which can chip or loosen any tooth.
See your dentist if the bite feels high, if the crown feels loose, or if you get ongoing discomfort. Catching small issues early helps your crown last.
References
Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Dental care. healthdirect.gov.au
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). Oral health resources. teeth.org.au
A note on this article
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for personal dental advice. Every mouth is different, so please see a dentist for advice and a treatment plan suited to your own teeth.
The cover image for this article was generated using AI and is for illustration only. It isn't a clinical photograph of a patient or a specific dental crown.
Frequently asked questions
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a whole tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, strength and appearance, and it's usually recommended when a tooth is too damaged or weak for a normal filling. That might be after a large cavity, a crack, or a root canal. Once cemented in place, a crown is permanent and you care for it much like a natural tooth. It's also shaped and colour-matched to blend in with the teeth around it.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Getting a crown is more comfortable than its reputation suggests. Your dentist numbs the tooth with a small injection before any work begins, so you shouldn't feel the preparation itself. Afterwards, some mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal while the tooth settles, and this usually eases within a few days. If you feel ongoing pain, or the bite feels off once the numbing wears away, let your dentist know so they can check it.
How long does the dental crown procedure take?
The traditional crown is done over two visits, usually a week or two apart. The first visit, where the tooth is prepared and an impression is taken, often takes around an hour. The second visit, to fit and cement the final crown, is usually shorter. The gap in between is the time the dental lab needs to make your crown. Some practices offer same-day crowns with CEREC technology, where the crown is designed and made in the clinic, so the whole thing can be done in one appointment.
How much does a dental crown cost in Australia?
A single dental crown in Australia commonly costs somewhere in the four-figure range, roughly $1,100 to $2,100. The exact price depends on the material used and how complex the work is. This is a general guide rather than a set fee, and the only way to know your actual cost is a written quote after your dentist has assessed the tooth. If you hold private health insurance with extras cover, some of the cost may be claimable, so it's worth checking your policy before you go ahead.
Written by Dr. Cristian Dunker, BDSc, MBA.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Cristian Dunker.