What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the whole visible part of a tooth above the gum. It is made to match the shape, size and colour of your teeth and is permanently cemented in place. A crown can also be fixed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
Crowns restore strength to damaged teeth, protect them from further breakage and improve how your smile looks. They can also improve how your teeth meet when you bite.
Who are crowns suitable for?
Crowns are used for both dental health and appearance. Your dentist may recommend one to:
- Restore a broken, cracked or badly worn tooth
- Protect a weak tooth so it does not break
- Support a tooth after root canal treatment or one with a very large filling
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Cover a dental implant
- Improve the look of teeth that are misshapen, chipped or deeply stained
Crowns are generally suitable for adults with healthy gums and enough tooth structure to support them. If you grind or clench your teeth, crowns are still possible, but you may need a night guard, as grinding can greatly shorten their life. Gum disease and decay are treated first.
Types of dental crown
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia, also called zirconium, is one of the most popular materials. It is very strong and resistant to chipping, has a smooth surface and transmits light in a way that looks natural. It is biocompatible, meaning it is well tolerated by the gums and surrounding tissue, and suits both front and back teeth.
E-max crowns
E-max crowns are milled from a single block of lithium disilicate ceramic. They are slightly translucent, which helps them blend closely with natural teeth, and are a common choice for front teeth where appearance matters most. They are strong enough for most everyday biting.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns
These crowns have a metal base covered by a layer of tooth-coloured porcelain. The metal gives long-lasting strength, while the porcelain provides a natural look. They can also be joined to make a bridge when several neighbouring teeth are missing. A thin grey line can sometimes show at the gum edge.
How crowns are fitted
Most patients need two or three appointments over about a week.
1. Examination and planning
Your dentist reviews your medical history and examines your teeth with X-rays or scans. Blood tests may be done if sedation is planned. Together you agree the treatment plan, the material and the shade.
2. Preparing the teeth
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. A thin layer is removed from the top and sides to make room for the crown; the amount depends on the material. If the nerve is infected or at high risk, root canal treatment is done first. A digital scan or mould is then taken and sent to the dental laboratory.
3. Temporary crowns
Temporary crowns protect the prepared teeth while your permanent crowns are being made.
4. Fitting and adjustment
The new crowns are tried in to check fit, bite and colour. Sometimes an extra session is needed for fine adjustments before the crowns are permanently cemented.
Recovery timeline
- First 24 hours
Numbness wears off within a few hours. Avoid hard or sticky foods and chewing gum for at least the first day.
- Days 2–7
Some sensitivity to hot and cold or mild gum soreness is common. Brush gently for the first week.
- Weeks 2–4
Your bite usually feels normal. If a crown feels high or uncomfortable when you bite, contact your coordinator so it can be adjusted.
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
- Take any medication your dentist prescribes
- Avoid biting very hard objects such as ice, pen tops or nut shells
- Do not use your teeth to open packaging
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench
- See your own dentist for regular check-ups and hygiene visits
Risks and side effects
Dental crowns are a routine and widely used treatment, but there are some risks. Your dentist will explain them before treatment. They include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold, which usually settles
- A crown chipping, loosening or coming off
- Gum irritation, gum inflammation or gum recession around the crown
- Decay at the edge of the crown if hygiene is poor
- The nerve of a prepared tooth becoming inflamed, which may need root canal treatment
- An allergic reaction to the crown material, which is rare
Results
Your crowns look and function like natural teeth from the day they are fitted. With good hygiene and regular check-ups, they usually last 5 to 15 years and often longer. Crowns do not decay, but the tooth underneath can, so looking after your gums and the crown edges is important.
Dental crowns in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send recent photos of your teeth, any X-rays and your medical history. The dentist reviews them and our team sends you a treatment plan. Once you accept, we arrange your appointments and dates.
In Istanbul
A VIP driver meets you at the airport. A translator joins you at your appointments, and a companion can travel with you at no extra cost. You will have a few free days between visits while the laboratory makes your crowns.
Back home
Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp if you have questions or notice any problem with a crown. Register with a local dentist for routine care and check-ups.
What the Dental Crowns package includes
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Hospital and medical care
Your private hospital room, nursing care, pre-operative tests, consultations with your surgeon, anaesthesia, the operation itself and the medication you take home.
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VIP transfers
A private driver meets you at the airport and takes you between the airport, your hotel and the hospital.
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Translator and companion
A medical translator at the hospital, and a companion can travel with you at no extra cost.
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Meals and comfort
Daily meals for you and your companion throughout your stay.
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24/7 patient coordinator
A dedicated coordinator answers your questions before, during and after your trip, in your language.
Dental Crowns FAQ
Which crown material is best?
It depends on the tooth and your priorities. Zirconia is very strong and suits back teeth and longer bridges, E-max is prized for its natural translucency on front teeth, and porcelain fused to metal is a durable traditional option. Your dentist will recommend the best match for each tooth.
Will my teeth need to be filed down?
Yes. A layer of the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it without looking bulky. The amount removed depends on the material, and the change is permanent, so the tooth will always need a crown afterwards.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so most people feel only pressure and vibration. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness is common for a few days afterwards.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good care, crowns usually last 5 to 15 years and often longer. Grinding, poor oral hygiene and using your teeth to open packaging can shorten their life.
Will I need a root canal first?
Not always. A root canal is only needed if the nerve of the tooth is infected, badly damaged or at high risk of becoming so. Your dentist will check with an examination and X-rays.
How many days do I need in Istanbul?
Most crown treatments need around 5 to 7 days, which allows time for preparation, laboratory work, a fitting check and final cementing. Larger cases may need a little longer or a second trip.
Can I have crowns if I grind my teeth?
You can, but grinding puts extra strain on crowns and can shorten their life. Your dentist may recommend a strong material and a night guard to protect them.
