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Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns for Broken Teeth

If you have a broken or damaged tooth, a dental crown may be an option to add strength and stability to the tooth.

A man smiling after a Dental crown treatment in Cloverdale, WA

Dental Crowns in Cloverdale

A image of a dental crown in Cloverdale, WAA crown, also called a cap or tooth cap, is a dental restoration used to strengthen and support a damaged or decayed tooth. Because the crown surrounds a tooth, it restores strength and function so you can chew comfortably and improves smile aesthetics with a natural-looking solution.

When Do You Recommend a Dental Crown?

Crowns are versatile, and at Wright Street Dental Clinic, we commonly use them to:

  • Restore a badly decayed tooth 
  • Support a broken or cracked tooth
  • Protect a tooth with a large filling
  • Reinforce a tooth weakened by root canal treatment
  • Strengthen a worn tooth
  • Hold a dental bridge in place
  • Improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Choosing a dental crown offers many benefits:
Improve Chewing
Dental crowns restore full biting and chewing function to damaged or weakened teeth. Whether you've been avoiding certain foods or experiencing discomfort while eating, a crown allows you to enjoy meals comfortably again without pain or limitations.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Modern dental crowns are crafted from tooth-colored materials that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. They correct discolouration, reshape damaged teeth and create a uniform appearance, giving you the confidence to smile without feeling self-conscious.
Long-Lasting Protection
Dental crowns provide durable protection for weakened or compromised teeth, often lasting 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. Crowns prevent further damage, stop cracks from spreading and strengthen teeth after root canals or extensive decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're experiencing certain symptoms or noticing changes in your teeth, it may be time to consider a dental crown. While only your dentist can definitively determine whether a crown is necessary, several signs indicate you might need one.

Signs You Might Need a Dental Crown

  • Persistent sensitivity or pain when biting down or chewing often indicates a cracked or weakened tooth that needs reinforcement. If you find yourself avoiding certain foods or chewing on one side of your mouth to prevent discomfort, a crown may be the solution.
  • Visible cracks or fractures in a tooth are a clear warning sign. Cracks tend to worsen over time, and a crown can help prevent the tooth from breaking further or becoming infected.
  • If you have a large, old filling that's taking up most of your tooth, the remaining tooth structure may be too weak to support another filling. In these cases, a crown provides the strength and protection needed to keep the tooth functional.
  • After a root canal, teeth become more brittle and prone to fracture because the nerve and blood supply have been removed. A crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength for long-term use.
  • Severe discolouration or cosmetic concerns that bonding or whitening can't address may also warrant a crown, especially if the tooth is already weakened or heavily restored.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's best to schedule a consultation with our dentist in Cloverdale, WA. They'll evaluate your tooth with X-rays and a thorough examination to determine whether a crown is the best solution for protecting your oral health.

The Process for Getting a Dental Crown

An image illustrating how to place dental crown in Cloverdale, WAMany patients avoid the dentist because they fear dental treatment will be painful and complicated. The process for placing crowns on teeth is actually quite simple:

  • Step 1 – Comprehensive Evaluation:  The first step in the process of creating tooth crowns is a comprehensive evaluation. One of our dentists will inspect the teeth, gums, jaw joints and other support structures of the mouth, carefully looking for signs of stress, decay or instability. Using diagnostic X-rays, moulds and impressions, they will gain a clear picture of the condition of your mouth to address any health or functional concerns during treatment.
  • Step 3 – Tooth Preparation: With your personalised treatment plan in hand, we prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of its structure to accommodate the dental crown. We will apply a provisional restoration that you will wear while the final dental crown is being created. This temporary dental cap will protect the prepared tooth until placement of the final restoration. 
  • Step 4 – Final Crown Placement:  Because so much planning goes into the treatment process, the final step is quite simple and predictable. We will remove the temporary,  test the final crown for fit and colour and ensure that you can bite down comfortably with it in place. The final step is to cement the crown on the tooth and gently polish it to a smooth sheen. 
  • Dr Rajinda Pathirana DMD (UWA)

    Dr Rajinda Pathirana is a local graduate who earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Western Australia. With experience across both public and private sectors, he brings a well-rounded and compassionate approach to patient care—always aiming to make your dental visits as comfortable and efficient as possible.

    Dr Rajinda has a strong interest in oral surgery, particularly wisdom tooth removal, as well as crown and bridge work. ...

    Read More

Dental Crown Aftercare

A woman smiling while checking her dental crown in Cloverdale, WAYou can expect that in the days following crown placement, the crowned tooth may feel a little odd when you bite down, but this is normal. Soon, your mouth will get used to the feel, and you'll likely forget it's even there.

Proper Care for Your New Dental Crown

The crown itself won't decay, but the tooth it's covering can, so it's crucial to continue to practice excellent oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing once. When you brush, avoid abrasive toothpaste as it can scratch the crown's smooth, shiny surface.

Dental crowns are highly durable, but they're not indestructible. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, such as crusty breads, popcorn or hard nuts and candies, that could crack or break the crown, and don't ever use your teeth as tools or to open packages.

Routine check-ups at our Cloverdale dental office every six months allow our dentist to check the crown periodically to ensure it remains functional and in good condition. 

Is a Dental Crown Right for You? 

If you have a broken or damaged tooth or have been told you need a crown, the team at Wright Street Dental Clinic would love to help you. We'll check the tooth to see if a crown is right for you or if another solution would be more appropriate. Please call our Cloverdale, WA, dental office on (08) 9560 4008, and we'll be happy to arrange a convenient appointment.