A crown is a cap that covers a tooth entirely, protecting one that is heavily filled, cracked or root-treated. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by joining crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. Both are made in a laboratory, so they normally take two to three visits.
When this is usually needed
- A tooth with a very large filling and little natural structure left
- A cracked tooth that hurts when you release a bite
- A back tooth that has had root canal treatment
- A single missing tooth with healthy teeth either side
- A crown that has come off or fractured
What happens, step by step
Assessment
We check whether a crown is the right answer. Sometimes a large filling is sufficient and cheaper, and we will say so.
Preparation
The tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic to make room for the crown.
Impression and shade
A mould is taken and the shade matched to your neighbouring teeth.
Temporary crown
You leave with a temporary while the laboratory makes the permanent one.
Fitting
The permanent crown is tried, the bite checked and adjusted, then cemented.
Before any treatment
This treatment may not be suitable for every patient. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on an examination at the clinic. Before we begin, we will assess your teeth and gums, take an updated medical history, explain the available options, and obtain your consent. Nothing on this page is a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation for your individual case.
Aftercare
- The temporary is deliberately weakly cemented — avoid sticky food and floss out sideways rather than up.
- Some gum tenderness for a few days after fitting is normal.
- If the bite feels high, come back. A crown left high can cause persistent ache.
- Crowned teeth can still decay at the margin. Clean the gumline carefully.
- Bridges need a floss threader or interdental brush underneath, daily.
Common questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Malaysia?
Indicatively RM 900–2,200 per unit here, depending on the material. Metal-ceramic sits at the lower end, full ceramic and zirconia at the upper. A three-unit bridge is priced as three units.
How long do crowns last?
Commonly ten to fifteen years and often longer. Most failures happen at the margin where the crown meets the tooth, which is why cleaning the gumline matters.
Crown, bridge or implant for a missing tooth?
A bridge is quicker and needs no surgery, but requires cutting down the two healthy teeth either side. An implant leaves neighbouring teeth untouched but costs more and takes months. We will lay out both, with fees, and you decide.
Will it match my other teeth?
The shade is matched in the clinic and you see it before it is cemented. A single front crown is the hardest thing in dentistry to match perfectly, and we will be straight with you about that.
Does it hurt?
Preparation is done under local anaesthetic and feels similar to a large filling. Fitting the permanent crown usually needs no injection at all.
Related treatments
- Root canal treatment — Rawatan saluran akar
- Dental implants — Implan gigi
- Tooth filling — Tampal gigi