Dental crowns in Kyiv

No, having a crown placed is not painful, because we use anaesthesia during potentially uncomfortable stages of prosthetic treatment (such as tooth preparation). As a rule, local anaesthesia is used, and if indicated, other modern anxiety-control methods can also be offered. Any discomfort is also minimised at the impression stage: in DENTART we do not use traditional impression materials for crown fabrication but instead take a digital impression.

The strongest crowns are those made from zirconium oxide (zirconia). Zirconia crowns cope excellently with all chewing loads and are therefore recommended for restoring posterior teeth. They are highly resistant to chipping and wear and can last up to 25 years. Metal-ceramic (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns rank second in terms of strength; however, they are inferior to zirconia in longevity and aesthetics, while being more affordable in terms of price.

For anterior teeth, ceramic crowns or zirconia crowns with ceramic veneering are usually recommended. Ceramic allows you to achieve the best possible smile aesthetics, closely imitating the natural colour, shine and translucency of real teeth. All-ceramic crowns for front teeth are less expensive than zirconia, but they are somewhat inferior in strength and overall longevity. Which option is best for you personally will be determined by your DENTART prosthodontist after a comprehensive consultation, which includes all necessary diagnostics (CT and other examinations).

For posterior (chewing) teeth, the choice of crown should prioritise high strength and durability. The best modern solution in this regard is zirconia-based prosthetic restorations. They are highly resistant to wear, chipping and other damage and can last up to 25 years. From an aesthetic standpoint, they are also more than adequate; given that these teeth are outside the smile zone, additional ceramic veneering is not strictly necessary. For patients with a limited budget, metal-ceramic crowns may be considered, but it is important to understand that they are noticeably inferior to zirconia in key performance characteristics.

No, removing the pulp (the so-called “tooth nerve”) is not always required when placing a crown. In the past (when thicker porcelain-fused-to-metal and other outdated types of prostheses were used), depulpation was often recommended, because extensive tooth reduction could lead to significant heating and subsequent damage to the pulp. Today, ceramic and zirconia crowns are much thinner, so the amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed is minimal. The nerve only needs to be removed if the tooth is already compromised — for example, in cases of deep caries, diagnosed pulpitis or periodontitis, or other indications for endodontic treatment. This is why high-quality diagnostics always precede prosthetic treatment at DENTART.

The longevity of crowns depends on the material and on how carefully you follow the key aftercare recommendations. Zirconia crowns generally last the longest — up to 20–25 years. The average service life of ceramic restorations is around 10–15 years (these timeframes apply primarily when ceramics are used on anterior teeth). Metal-ceramic crowns on posterior teeth typically last about 10 years.

Home care for crowns is almost the same as for natural teeth. You should brush twice a day and use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth. An oral rinse and irrigator can also be helpful. To extend the lifespan of your crowns, it is advisable to limit very hard foods such as nuts and crackers. To avoid issues with staining, you should also moderate your intake of highly pigmented drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and sugary coloured sodas. On average, a dental check-up and professional hygiene are recommended every six months.

Diabetes mellitus is not an absolute contraindication to crown placement. However, this diagnosis does impose certain limitations on dental treatment. Successful prosthetic rehabilitation (including implant-supported restorations) requires coordinated work between the dental team and the patient’s endocrinologist. A crown should only be placed if the condition of the oral cavity is satisfactory (or has been improved with appropriate treatment) and the disease is well controlled, with stable blood sugar levels. It is also worth noting that patients with diabetes are generally advised to choose zirconia or all-ceramic crowns — without metal components, which may increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Modern dentistry does not impose strict age limits on crown placement. When indicated (for example, in cases of trauma or advanced caries), prosthetic treatment can be performed in children of various ages, including crowns supported by primary (baby) teeth. This approach can help reduce the risk of malocclusion, promote proper distribution of chewing forces and prevent aesthetic issues in children. Specific recommendations on whether a child or teenager needs crowns will be provided by our prosthodontists after a comprehensive examination and full diagnostic work-up.