How long do ceramic crowns last? +
High-quality ceramic and zirconia crowns typically last 10–15 years, and often significantly longer with good oral hygiene and regular dental maintenance. Longevity is influenced by biting forces, oral hygiene practices, whether you grind your teeth, and the quality of the crown margin. At Aspen, we provide a personalised aftercare plan and recall schedule for every crown patient.
What is the difference between a ceramic crown and a metal crown? +
Metal and PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns have a metal substructure that can cause a dark gum line over time, metallic appearance if gums recede, and potential allergy concerns. Full ceramic and zirconia crowns are entirely metal-free — they transmit light like natural tooth enamel, have no risk of dark margins, are biocompatible, and look far more natural. At Aspen, we place only metal-free restorations.
Is getting a crown painful? +
The preparation appointment is performed under local anaesthesia and is generally very comfortable — most patients describe it as far more manageable than they anticipated. After the anaesthetic wears off, some mild sensitivity or tenderness around the prepared tooth is normal for 24–48 hours. If a root canal was performed first, sensitivity is usually even less. The fitting appointment (second visit) requires no anaesthesia in most cases.
Do I need a root canal before getting a crown? +
Not always. A root canal is needed before a crown only if the tooth pulp (nerve) is infected, irreversibly inflamed, or has died. Many teeth that need crowns — such as heavily filled, cracked, or worn teeth — have healthy nerves and do not require root canal treatment. We assess this thoroughly before any treatment begins and will clearly explain whether a root canal is necessary in your specific case.
How much does a ceramic crown cost in Bangalore? +
At Aspen Dental Care, ceramic crowns start from ₹15,000 for an all-ceramic (E.max) restoration. Zirconia crowns are ₹18,000 per crown, and layered zirconia (premium) crowns are ₹22,000. Implant crowns are ₹20,000 (excluding the implant and abutment). All prices include laboratory fees, temporaries, and cementation. Complete, itemised quotes are provided after examination. 0% EMI is available across leading banks.
What happens to my tooth while waiting for the permanent crown? +
Between appointments, a temporary crown is placed over your prepared tooth. This protects it, maintains aesthetics, and allows you to function normally. The temporary is made from a softer resin material and is designed to be easily removed at your second appointment. You can eat and speak normally with a temporary — we advise avoiding very sticky or hard foods during this period.
Can a crown fall off? What do I do if it does? +
Permanent crowns cemented with modern adhesive cements very rarely come off when properly fitted. If a crown does loosen or come off — most commonly with temporary crowns — contact us promptly. Do not try to re-cement it yourself, and avoid eating on that side. We will see you quickly to assess the situation and re-cement or adjust as needed. Properly placed permanent crowns coming off is uncommon but we manage any such situations without charge within our warranty period.
Can I whiten a ceramic crown? +
Ceramic crowns do not respond to whitening treatments — the material is colour-stable and will not lighten. For this reason, if you are considering teeth whitening, it is best to do so before a new crown is placed so the crown can be shade-matched to your desired whitened shade. If your natural teeth have been whitened after an existing crown was placed, the crown may appear darker than your surrounding teeth — in this case, replacing the crown to match the new shade is the only solution.
How should I care for my crown? +
A ceramic crown requires the same care as a natural tooth: brush twice daily with a soft brush, floss daily (using a floss threader or interdental brush around the crown margin), and attend regular dental recalls every 6 months. If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a custom night guard is strongly recommended to prevent fracture. Avoid biting very hard objects such as ice, pen caps, or hard nuts directly with the crown. With proper care, your crown can last well beyond 15 years.