Our Services
Crowns
Dental Crowns: Restoring Your Smile With Care and Compassion
Dental crowns have evolved dramatically with modern techniques and materials, offering a compassionate way to restore teeth that have taken a beating and protect their long-term health.
If your tooth needs extensive restoration—whether it’s dealing with a large filling that’s failing, worn surfaces, cracks, decay, or fractures—a dental crown might be exactly what you need. This is especially true for those hard-working back teeth (molars) that handle so much pressure. A crown completely encases your tooth, sealing and strengthening it while improving both how it functions and how it looks. Think of it like a protective helmet for your tooth, keeping it safe and sound.
Crowns are also highly recommended after root canal therapy. They strengthen the treated tooth and significantly reduce the risk of fracture down the road—giving you peace of mind and helping you access the care you deserve for lasting oral health.
A Custom-Made Cap Built Around Your Unique Needs
A crown is a custom-made “cap” that fits over your natural tooth, designed with real curiosity about what works best for you. We’ll match the shape, colour, and bite of your surrounding teeth so it blends seamlessly into your smile. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials—we’ll discuss what makes sense for your tooth’s location and what it needs to do. The goal? Strengthen your tooth while keeping it looking naturally beautiful.
With compassionate care and attention to detail, your dental crown will look and feel just like a real tooth, so you can smile with confidence and get back to being the busy parent you are.
What to Expect at the Practice
Before, during and after – here is exactly how your visit runs, so nothing on the day comes as a surprise.
Before
Dr Mary-Anne will take a curious, thorough approach to understand what’s really going on with your tooth. She’ll combine a careful examination with X-rays and specialised tests to check the underlying structure and tooth nerve—because we believe in honest, complete information so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
If root canal treatment is needed before crown preparation, we’ll walk you through it step by step. Our goal is making oral health care less stressful and helping you access the compassionate care you deserve, with all the practical support along the way.
During
We’ll gently prepare your tooth by removing any damaged or weakened areas and reshaping it so your crown fits securely. You’ll be fully numbed throughout, so you can relax knowing you’re in caring hands.
Next, we take a precise impression to create your custom crown—think of it as making a perfect replica just for you. We’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth while your permanent one is being crafted, so you won’t miss a beat.
At your second visit, we’ll fit your final crown, carefully adjust it for your bite, and cement it in place. We’ll also take a final radiograph to make sure everything looks great, then show you the best interproximal brush or technique to keep your crown and surrounding teeth clean and healthy. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident caring for your smile.
After
It’s completely normal to experience mild sensitivity for a few days while your tooth settles in—you’re not alone in this! Most people get back to eating and living their lives without any fuss pretty quickly.
Here’s the honest truth: the real secret to your crown lasting many years (we’re talking decades here!) comes down to two things. First, keeping up with good oral hygiene at home. Second, showing up for regular dental check-ups so we can catch anything early. Think of it as a partnership between you and your dental care—because everyone deserves compassionate, quality care that helps their oral health thrive.
Fun fact: I’ve had patients whose crowns have served them brilliantly for 45+ years. That’s not luck—that’s the result of a little curiosity about their mouth, consistency with care, and a dental professional who understands their unique needs. You absolutely can be next.
What Makes Our Practice Different
The same standard of care sits behind every service we offer – 43 years of it, in one familiar practice on The Esplanade.
Qualifications & Training
Weekly mentoring with an oral surgeon, bimonthly mentoring with a cosmetic dentist, additional training in anxiety informed care and neurodiversity- affirming practice, annual CPR training for all the team.
Technology & Techniques
AIRFLOW gentle scale and clean, WAND la machine, digital imaging, intraoral cameras, stainless steel crowns, and sedation options including treatment under general anaesthetics for anxious patients.
Associations & Accreditation
Member of Australian Dental Association, NSW and Federal, APRHA member, D3 group, Palliative Care Volunteer.
Accredited and affiliated with
43
Years Serving Wagga Wagga Families
100+
Combined Years Dental Experience
5
Trained and Dedicated Team Members
1
Local Practice, Every Need Covered
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions Wagga families ask us most about this service.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth to protect it and restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Think of it like a protective shell—it covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline. Crowns are made from a range of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys, and are carefully matched to blend naturally with your smile. They’re one of the most common and reliable restorations in dentistry, and at our Wagga dental practice, we take pride in making sure yours looks and feels completely natural.
Why might I need a dental crown?
There are a number of reasons you might need a crown. Common ones include a tooth that’s been significantly weakened by decay or a large filling, a cracked or fractured tooth, a tooth that’s had root canal treatment, or a tooth that’s broken and needs rebuilding. Crowns are also used to attach bridges or cover dental implants. We won’t recommend a crown unless it’s genuinely the best option for your tooth—we’ll explain our reasoning clearly and talk through alternatives if they exist. Our goal is always to save and restore your natural teeth wherever possible.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Getting a crown is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. You may feel some pressure while the tooth is being prepared, but you shouldn’t experience pain. After your appointment, it’s normal for the tooth and surrounding area to feel a little sensitive for a day or two—particularly to temperature. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually all that’s needed. If sensitivity lingers or you notice pain when biting, let us know—we can check the fit and make adjustments. We always want to make sure your new crown feels right before you leave.
How many appointments does it take to get a crown?
In most cases, getting a crown involves two appointments. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth, take impressions, and fit a temporary crown to protect the tooth while your permanent one is being custom-made. At the second visit—usually three weeks later—the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place. We’ll talk you through what to expect between appointments and make sure you’re comfortable with your temporary crown. We also take time to make sure the fit, bite, and appearance are exactly right before you walk out the door.
What are crowns made from?
Crowns can be made from several materials, and the right choice depends on where the tooth is in your mouth, the amount of tooth remaining, and your preferences. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are the most popular for visible teeth because they closely mimic the look of natural enamel. Metal crowns (or porcelain-fused-to-metal) are extremely durable and may be recommended for back teeth that take heavy chewing loads. Zirconia crowns offer a strong and natural-looking option that’s becoming increasingly popular. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each material and help you choose the one that suits your needs best.
How long do dental crowns last?
A well-made crown with good care typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, and many last considerably longer. The longevity of your crown depends on the material used, how well you maintain your oral hygiene, and habits like grinding or clenching. Regular check-ups at our Wagga dental practice allow us to monitor your crown and the health of the tooth underneath it—because the tooth can still develop decay at the margins if oral hygiene isn’t maintained. We’ll give you practical advice on how to get the best life out of your crown.
Ready when you are
Whether it has been six months or sixteen years, the first appointment is a conversation. Call us, or send a message and we will come back to you.
Visit Us
4/24 The Esplanade
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Hours
Mon – Thurs: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Fri – Sun: Closed
Call
02 6921 6035
