Many patients come to the dental clinic in pain and, often after the main treatment is completed, they need to have dental crowns placed on damaged teeth. When it comes to choosing crown materials, most people have no idea what to expect during placement and long‑term use.

Previously, we discussed the different types of crowns and the main differences between them. This time, we’ll take a closer look at zirconia crowns and zirconia tooth restorations: what they are, how they’re made and fitted, and other important details.

See also: Eating After a Dental Filling  

How Zirconia Crowns Are Made

Before placing zirconia teeth, dentists use zirconium dioxide (zirconia) to fabricate these crowns. This material is highly durable and wear‑resistant. It is a type of ceramic, which is why many patients prefer it.

Placing a dental crown starts with tooth preparation: the tooth is reduced (shaped) according to clinical protocols, and then it is scanned digitally or an impression is taken.

The dentist then sends the scan or impression to a dental laboratory, where a technician uses 3D design software (CAD) to create a digital model of the future zirconia crown.

Next, this design is sent to a milling machine (CAM), which mills the crown out of a zirconia block using special burs. For dental use, zirconium dioxide is supplied in blocks that look and feel somewhat like chalk.

The crown is milled from these zirconia blocks. Because the pre‑sintered zirconia has a chalk‑like, relatively fragile texture, the milled crown is then placed in a high‑temperature professional furnace for sintering. After sintering, the zirconia crown becomes very hard. Any further adjustments to shape and fit are done manually to ensure the patient’s comfort and proper bite.

See also: Dental Veneers | Key Advantages and Disadvantages  

Options for Fabricating and Placing Zirconia Teeth

Common options for zirconia restorations include:

– Single zirconia crowns

– Implant‑supported zirconia crowns  

– Short zirconia bridges (spanning several teeth)  

– Zirconia frameworks with ceramic layering for enhanced esthetics  

However, any decision about getting zirconia teeth should be based on a dentist’s clinical assessment, not only on personal preference. You should consult your dentist to reach a treatment plan that balances cost with all necessary functional and esthetic requirements.

See also: Removable Dentures | Main Advantages and Disadvantages  

Shades of Zirconia Crowns

Every manufacturer of zirconia blocks provides its own shade guide, so you can choose a color that matches your natural teeth. In addition, custom shades can be created on request.

The production time for zirconia crowns typically ranges from about 3 to 7 days.

See also: The Difference Between a Gum Abscess and a Tooth Abscess  

How Are Zirconia Crowns Placed?

The placement of zirconia dioxide crowns is similar to that of all‑ceramic crowns.

Local anesthesia is used if needed. The tooth is isolated—sometimes with a rubber dam, depending on the case. The prepared tooth is then thoroughly cleaned, dried, and degreased. The inside of the crown is also treated according to protocol.

Based on the specific clinical situation, the dentist selects the appropriate dental cement and, if using light‑cured or dual‑cure cement, activates it with a curing light. On average, placing a zirconia crown takes about 10–30 minutes.

One clear advantage of these prosthetics is that several crowns (for example, 2–4) can be cemented in a single visit, saving significant time. Zirconia is also generally less traumatic to surrounding tissues.

If you need a long dental bridge (spanning 5–6 teeth), it is often better to choose porcelain‑fused‑to‑metal (PFM) crowns using titanium or cobalt‑chromium alloys, because a long zirconia bridge may not withstand functional loads without additional support.

For longer spans, it is usually recommended to use a titanium bar or framework for support. At the same time, a single zirconia crown can be an excellent, long‑lasting option on a single dental implant. You can also consult your dentist about whether zirconia is suitable for molars and posterior chewing teeth in your specific case.

See also: Tooth Sensitivity and Nerve Pain  

Removing a Zirconia Crown

Removing a zirconia crown always requires local anesthesia. After numbing the tooth, the dentist section the crown carefully with a bur and removes the crown material in pieces, preserving as much of the remaining tooth structure as possible.

Choose a clinic where the dentist works with a dental microscope rather than relying only on the naked eye. The microscope allows more precise removal of the crown with minimal risk of damaging the underlying tooth.

Keep in mind that zirconia is very strong, so removing such a crown is more time‑consuming and technically demanding, especially for single, well‑fitted crowns.

The cost of this procedure is usually around 80–100 euros. If you have a full‑contour monolithic zirconia crown and it fractures, it generally cannot be repaired, because the integrity of the material is compromised. In that case, a new crown is needed. Fortunately, such fractures are relatively rare, as zirconia crowns are very strong when properly designed and placed.

For a layered zirconia crown (zirconia framework with an outer layer of porcelain/ceramic), experienced dentists can sometimes repair a chipped area by bonding composite resin using a specific protocol. Another option is to bond a veneer over the damaged area instead of a simple filling; the main differences between these options are appearance and cost.

See also: Dental Crowns | Best Types and Main Uses  

How to Tell If a Crown Is Zirconia or Not

Visually, it is usually impossible for a layperson to distinguish zirconia from other ceramics. To be certain, the crown would need to be cut and the internal layers examined.

If it is a zirconia‑based crown with ceramic layered on top, only a dentist using magnification (such as a microscope) can reliably tell by examining the margin near the gum line and the internal structure.

If the crown is made entirely of zirconia, an experienced dentist may be able to identify the material by the sound it makes when tapped with an instrument. Unfortunately, some low‑quality labs may substitute cheaper materials that mimic the look of zirconia but behave more like plastic; these often produce a dull sound.

In general, however, distinguishing high‑quality zirconia from other ceramics is difficult if the crown has been fabricated by a skilled technician.

See also: Root Canal (Pulp) Inflammation Treatment  

What Is the Global Cost of Zirconia Crowns?

Worldwide, the cost of a zirconia crown typically ranges from about 500 to 900–1000 euros per tooth. The price depends on the dentist’s experience, the complexity of the case, and the esthetic requirements.

If the cosmetic component is especially important to you—such as in the front teeth—the cost per crown will usually be higher due to more detailed planning, layering, and characterization.

See also: Detailed Symptoms of Dental Nerve (Pulp) Inflammation  

How to Care for Zirconia Crowns

Because zirconia restorations are highly biocompatible with the human body, caring for them is very similar to standard oral hygiene for natural teeth.

You should continue to:

– Brush at least twice a day with your regular toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste  

– Use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean between teeth and around the crown margins  

– Consider using an oral irrigator (water flosser) for additional cleaning, especially if you have multiple crowns or bridges  

See also: Causes of Tooth Decay Despite Brushing | All About Dental Caries  

The dental clinic at Batal Specialized Medical Complex is equipped with advanced tools and technology to help anyone suffering from tooth pain receive effective, precise treatment from highly skilled dentists. Book your appointment at the dental clinic of Batal Specialized Medical Complex and take the first step toward a healthier smile.