RESTORING YOUR SMILE: UNDERSTANDING DENTAL CROWNS (TOOTH CROWNING) IN SINGAPORE

Dr. Barry Yu
Jun 13
4 min read

Woman smiling confidently after teeth crowning treatment at a Singapore dental clinic

At our Singapore dental clinic, we often discuss various treatment options for maintaining and restoring oral health. One commonly recommended and effective solution is a dental crown—sometimes informally referred to as "tooth crowning" or a "tooth cap." This guide provides factual, clear information about dental crowns, their purpose, and what patients in Singapore can expect during the treatment process.

Illustration of a dental crown placed above a tooth, demonstrating the teeth crowning procedure

What is a Dental Crown (Tooth Crowning)?

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a tooth from the gum line. Its purpose is to restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance. You can think of it as a new protective layer that helps a damaged or weakened tooth function normally again.

Diagram showing stages of tooth damage and explaining what teeth crowning is for

When Might a Dental Crown Be Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown in the following situations:

To protect a weakened tooth due to large fillings or extensive decay.
To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth to its original function.
To support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left.
After a root canal treatment, to prevent the tooth from fracturing.
To anchor a dental bridge, replacing a missing tooth.
To improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth.

Illustration of a tooth with an endodontic file inside to show root canal treatment, highlighting that teeth crowning is often needed after RCT

Types of Dental Crowns Available in Singapore

Dental crowns are available in several materials. Your dentist will help you choose the most suitable one based on aesthetics, function, and the tooth’s location.

Zirconia Crowns: Zirconia crowns are ceramic restorations commonly used in dental treatments. They are suitable for both front and back teeth due to their high strength and ability to resemble the natural shade of teeth. These crowns are often chosen when both durability and appearance are considerations in the treatment plan.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These combine a metal interior for strength with a porcelain exterior for a tooth-coloured appearance. While offering a balance of strength and aesthetics, it's worth noting that due to the need to accommodate two materials in limited space, the porcelain layer can sometimes be relatively thinner and thus potentially more prone to fracture or wear over time compared to all-ceramic options. In some cases, the underlying metal may eventually become visible at the gum line or if the porcelain wears down. Modern advancements in all-ceramic materials have led to their increasing popularity for both strength and aesthetics.
Metal Crowns (e.g., Gold Alloys): Metal crowns, including those made from gold alloys, are used in restorative dentistry for their strength and resistance to wear. They are typically placed on back molars where biting forces are greatest. While they do not match the color of natural teeth, their mechanical properties make them a practical option for areas not visible when smiling.

Woman sitting in dental chair during first appointment for tooth crowning procedure at a Singapore dental clinic

The Dental Crowning Procedure in Singapore

The process typically involves two visits to our Singapore dental clinic, spaced about two weeks apart:

1st Appointment:

Examination and Preparation: The tooth is assessed and reshaped to fit a crown.
Digital Scans: These are used to create your custom-fit crown.
Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made. This usually takes about two weeks.

2nd Appointment:

Crown Fitting: Your permanent crown is checked for fit, shape, and colour.
Bitewing X-ray: Often taken to confirm that the crown seats properly and fit snugly around the margins.
Cementation: Once confirmed, the crown is permanently bonded in place.

Caring for Your Dental Crown

Mother and daughter brushing their teeth together, demonstrating daily oral care to maintain tooth crowning

To ensure your crown lasts for many years:

Brush and floss daily to maintain gum and tooth health.
Avoid Chewing on Hard or Sticky Foods, and Eat Slowly

To reduce the risk of dislodging or damaging your crown, avoid sticky foods like honeycomb, toffee candy, and hard gummy candies, as well as hard items such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or very hard nuts. These can place stress on the crown or pull it loose. It's also advisable to eat slowly and mindfully—accidents often happen when chewing too quickly or without noticing what's in the bite.
Attend regular check-ups at your Singapore dental clinic.

FAQ: Dental Crowns in Singapore

What is the difference between a crown and a filling?

A filling repairs a small area of decay or damage. A crown covers the entire tooth, offering more protection and strength when a tooth is badly damaged or weakened.

Woman covering her mouth with a surprised expression, illustrating common concerns about dental crowning pain

Is the dental crown procedure painful?

Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure, as local anaesthesia is used to numb the area. Some sensitivity or discomfort may occur afterward, especially to temperature or pressure, but this varies from person to person and typically improves over time.

Woman smiling confidently, illustrating that getting a tooth crowning is common and nothing to worry about

Can I eat normally after getting a crown?

Yes, once your permanent crown is placed, you can generally eat your regular diet. However, it’s advisable to avoid very sticky or hard foods both during the time you have a temporary crown and as an ongoing precaution to protect your crown and prevent damage over time.