Why do I need a crown? Are there alternatives?

A crown is recommended when a tooth is badly damaged and a simple filling is no longer enough – typical reasons are large cavities, after root canal treatment (the tooth becomes brittle), broken or cracked teeth, heavy wear or aesthetic improvements. Alternatives are: Inlay/onlay (partial coverage, preserves more tooth substance) Partial crown (3/4 crown, covers only parts of the tooth) Veneer (front teeth only, for aesthetics) Filling (only with moderate damage) Tooth extraction + implant/bridge (if the tooth cannot be saved)

Is the treatment pain-free?

Yes — all procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia using modern, gentle methods. The treatment takes place under local anaesthesia (injection into the gum) – the patient feels no pain during preparation, only slight pressure. After treatment, slight sensitivity or mild pain may occur for a few hours to days, which can be well controlled with ordinary painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol). For anxious patients, sedation (twilight sleep) is possible.

How many appointments do I need? How long does it take?

The classic treatment takes place over two appointments 1–2 weeks apart: Appointment 1: 60–90 minutes (preparation, impression, temporary crown) Laboratory fabrication: 5–14 days (1–2 weeks) Appointment 2: 30–60 minutes (try-in, fitting) With CEREC crowns (digital fabrication in the practice), the crown can be fitted in a single appointment (2–3 hours).

How long does a crown last?

Durability depends on the material, oral hygiene and load: All-ceramic (zirconia): 15-20+ years Metal-ceramic (PFM): 10-20 years Full metal (gold): 20-30+ years With good care and regular check-ups, crowns can last considerably longer – but no crown is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

What happens during the waiting period? Will I have a gap?

No, right after the first appointment a temporary plastic crown is fitted, which protects the prepared tooth and ensures a good appearance. The temporary crown is fixed with temporary cement and should not be overloaded (no hard or sticky food on that side).

Is the treatment covered by health insurance?

In Germany (GKV), statutory health insurance pays a fixed subsidy regardless of the actual price. The patient pays the difference between the fixed subsidy and the total cost as their own contribution. In Austria (ÖGK), the insurer normally pays €0 for fixed dental prostheses (crowns) – the patient pays privately (except where medically necessary, e.g. after a tumour/accident). Supplementary dental insurance can cover 50–100% of the patient's share – check your policy in advance.

What happens if the crown comes off or is damaged?

It is rare, but crowns can come off – if the crown and tooth are still intact, the dentist can often clean it and cement it back in. If it is damaged (crack, fracture), a new crown usually has to be made. Many clinics offer a 2–5 year warranty on crowns – have it put in writing in the treatment contract.

How do I care for the crown? Is there anything special to consider?

Care is similar to natural teeth – thorough brushing twice a day, dental floss or interdental brushes for the gaps, and regular professional teeth cleaning every 6 months. With temporary crowns, hard and sticky foods (chewing gum, caramel, hard bread, raw carrots) should be avoided so as not to loosen the temporary crown.

How does the crown feel? Will I notice a difference?

A well-fitted crown feels like a natural tooth after a short adjustment period (a few days to 2 weeks) – the patient notices no difference when biting, chewing or speaking. In the first few days the crown may feel a little "different", and if the bite is slightly off, the dentist can adjust the crown. Patients should raise any concerns when the crown is fitted (e.g. "the crown feels too high", "my pronunciation has changed") – better before final cementation than afterwards.

Are there any risks or complications?

As with any dental treatment there are risks, but they are rare: Sensitivity - common (20-40%), temporary, subsides after a few days Crown comes off - rare (2-5%), can often be cemented back in Crack/fracture - rare (1-3%), requires a new crown Inflammation of the dental nerve - rare (1-2%), may require root canal treatment Decay under the crown - rare (1-2%), with a leaking crown, requires a new crown Bite discrepancies - occasional (5-10%), Can be adjusted

Dentistry Up to -50%

Dental crowns & bridges

All-ceramic crowns made of zirconia. Precise fit, durable and ready in 3–5 days. Lasts 15+ years.

Your Price at GO Medics

from 400 € (ceramic crown on zirconia)

Best PriceIncl. consultation & aftercare

Price in DE / AT / CH

€800

You save €400

Duration3–5 days incl. fabrication

Recovery timeNone

Treatment inCroatia & Slovenia

QualityISO-certified

SupportGerman-speaking

About the treatment

Durable ceramic crowns made with CAD/CAM precision.

Your benefits

All-ceramic — metal-free, highly aesthetic, biocompatible
Zirconia — extremely fracture-resistant, lasts over 15 years
Digital shade matching for the most natural look
Made in the in-house dental laboratory — within 3–5 days

How the treatment works

Preparation & scan: Digital intraoral scan for perfect fit.
Fabrication: CAD/CAM manufacturing in the in-house laboratory.
Bonding: Precise cementation and occlusal check.

Why GO Medics?

GO Medics connects you with ISO-certified partner clinics in Croatia and Slovenia — with German-speaking support, transparent pricing and personal guidance from consultation to aftercare.