Zirconia crowns
A zirconia crown is a tooth-coloured, metal-free cap made from a strong ceramic called zirconium dioxide. It covers a weak, cracked or root-treated tooth to protect it and restore its shape. At Suman Dental Care crowns are provided by Dr. Nimisha Pandya, a dental surgeon (BDS), usually over 2 visits about 1 to 2 weeks apart.
Step by step
- 1Examine and X-ray
The dentist checks the tooth and its bite, and takes an X-ray to see the root and the bone. Any decay or infection is treated first.
- 2Prepare the tooth
Under local anaesthetic the tooth is shaped to make room for the crown. Zirconia needs a certain thickness to be strong, so a little tooth is removed on all sides.
- 3Take the impression and shade
A mould or scan of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental lab with the shade chosen to match your neighbouring teeth.
- 4Fit a temporary crown
A temporary crown protects the tooth for the 1 to 2 weeks the lab takes to make the final one.
- 5Fit and cement the crown
The temporary is removed, the zirconia crown is tried in, and its fit, colour and bite are checked. It is then cemented and any high spot is adjusted.
- A back tooth after root canal treatment
- A cracked, worn or heavily filled tooth that needs covering
- People who prefer a metal-free crown
- Teeth that take strong biting forces, where a strong material is useful
- A crown on an implant, if your dentist advises it
- Not always the right choice: zirconia is hard and can wear the opposing tooth, so your dentist may suggest another material if you grind your teeth heavily
The numbness lasts 2 to 3 hours, so wait before eating. The tooth can be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days to a couple of weeks, and the gum can feel tender.
With a temporary crown, avoid sticky or hard food and chew on the other side. If the temporary comes off, call us so it can be re-cemented, because the prepared tooth can move without it.
After the final crown is cemented you can usually eat normally once the numbness has gone. Brush twice a day, clean between teeth and keep up regular check-ups. Tell us if the bite feels high, as a small adjustment is quick. If a night-time grinding habit is suspected, a night guard may be advised.
- Sensitivity after preparation is common and usually settles. A tooth that stays painful may need a root canal.
- Tooth reduction: shaping the tooth for a crown cannot be reversed.
- Chipping or fracture: zirconia is strong, but the crown or its veneering layer can still chip, particularly with clenching or grinding.
- Wear on the opposing tooth: a hard, unpolished crown can wear the tooth it bites against, so the bite is checked and the crown polished.
- Decay at the edge of the crown can develop if cleaning is poor.
- Loosening: a crown can come off and need re-cementing.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
How long does a zirconia crown last?
Many crowns last 10 to 15 years or more with good cleaning and regular check-ups. It depends on the tooth, your bite and whether you grind your teeth, so this is only a typical range.
Does a zirconia crown look natural?
It is tooth-coloured and the shade is matched to your neighbouring teeth. Layered crowns can look more natural at the front; solid ones are chosen mainly for strength at the back.
Is zirconia better than metal-ceramic?
It is a different option, not simply a better one. Zirconia is metal-free and no dark edge shows at the gum, while metal-ceramic has a long track record. Your dentist will advise which suits the tooth.
Does it hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic during preparation, so you may feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity afterwards is common.
What if the crown feels high or comes off?
Call us. A high spot is a quick adjustment, and a crown that has come off should be kept safe and re-cemented soon, as the tooth underneath can be damaged.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.