14 Jan Dental crown cost and information in Singapore

Dental crown cost and information in Singapore (+How long do crowns last?)

 

TRUE STORY: When I was a child, I was always known as the “kid with a silver tooth”. My friends were always curious about the story behind the shiny tooth at the back of my mouth and some of them even ask if I was born with it—almost like how some people had birthmarks. In reality, the silver tooth was actually a dental crown I got at my dentist because of the severe cavities I had from eating too many candies. Not exactly a glamorous story but thanks to the crown which protected my tooth, I now have a set of healthy teeth and a complete smile! So if you find that you have a weak, severe damaged or deformed tooth, perhaps dental crowns could be something to consider. Read on to find out more about what dental crowns are and how much crowns in Singapore cost.

 

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped moulds that can be placed over your tooth and serves almost like a tooth replacement. This treatment is normally recommended for clients who suffered from severe tooth damage due to cavities, have weak and worn down tooth or have recently had a root canal. Additionally, for clients with a missing a tooth, dental crowns are also used after getting a dental implant. 

In all of these cases, the crown can help restore the aesthetic of the tooth and at the same time serve as a layer of protection for the tooth. It does so by preventing the potential exposure of the inner enamel which could lead to drying out and chipping or for bacteria growth resulting in inflammation and infection.

Figure 1: Dental Crown (Dental, n.d.)

 

Types and Materials of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be made from different kinds of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, composite resin and more. In selecting which crown will best suit you, your dentist will consider factors such as your tooth’s location and how much the tooth will show when you smile, the position of your gum tissue, function of the tooth that needs the crown, how much natural tooth is remaining and the colour of the surrounding teeth. For example, if it is the molars towards the back of your mouth that require the crown, your dentist could suggest for metal to be used as it is more affordable and the colour contrast of the crown and the surrounding teeth would matter less. Continue reading to find out the costs of getting dental crowns in Singapore!

Figure 2: Different Materials Used to Make Dental Crowns (Dentists, 2019)

Dental Crowns Treatment Procedure

The entire process is normally performed over 2 visits or more depending on each individual patient and their dentist’s recommendation.

• Assessment: The dentist will first take an x-ray of your teeth to better assess your situation. If the tooth is infected and has extensive decay, your dentist may suggest that you go for a root canal treatment first.
• Anaesthesia: Once your dentist determines that dental crowns are suitable for you, he/she will start the procedure by injecting anaesthesia to numb the relevant region.
• Reshaping and Impression: The tooth which the crown will be placed on is reshaped to make room for the crown. Once the tooth is reshaped, your dentist will make an impression of the reshaped tooth which will be sent to a laboratory to accurately create your permanent crown.
• Temporary Crown: Your dentist will then use a temporary crown cemented by temporary adhesives to protect the reshaped tooth while your permanent crown is made. *For temporary crowns, they serve as a temporary fix until your permanent crown is ready and extra care should be taken such as by avoiding hard and chewy foods.
• Permanent Crown: During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully cemented in its place.

Figure 3: Dental Crowns Procedure (Clinic, 2020)

 

How Long do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are very long-lasting and can last up to 15 years with good maintenance—avoiding hard and chewy foods, brushing regularly to maintain oral hygiene and going for periodic dental check-ups. That being said, out of all the materials mentioned above, metal crowns are notably the stronger and can withstand more force applied during biting or chewing.

 

Cost of Dental Crowns in Singapore

The estimated cost per dental crown generally ranges from $750-$1200 depending on the type of crown, the severity of the case as well as the choice of dental provider. You can click here to check out the MOH quotations for non-subsidized rates at public institutions.

Normally, the cost of crown will be heavily dependent on the crown material chosen. Metal and resin dental crowns are normally the most affordable but both comes with their cons in that metal crowns are very visible and resin crowns are less durable. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are more durable than resin crowns and cost more. Notably, ceramic crowns are significantly more durable and also way more expensive—cost per crown can goes up to $2000++!

 

Contact Us for More Information

Here at Vivid Dental Surgeons, we aim to educate our patients on matters regarding oral hygiene and health. We hope that this article gave you clarity regarding the topic of dental crowns.

If you are still unsure or are worried about any parts of the procedure, be sure to voice out your concerns to your dentist. Only by exercising good communication will you be able to receive the most optimal treatment. Should you have any more questions regarding dental crowns, feel free to drop Dr Ryan a message here. 

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to leave us a like and comment! You can also click here to read other oral health related articles posted on our blog. We upload new dental blog posts every 2-3 days so be sure to check those out!

Dr Ryan and the Vivid Dental Team wishes everyone a pleasant day ahead!