A dental crown is a protective cap that fits over your natural tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, helping to prevent tooth loss. Crowns are often used to improve the appearance of teeth that have suffered damage, such as chips, cracks, fractures, or discoloration that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments.
Crowns come in a variety of materials, and the choice of material will depend on both functional and aesthetic needs. The most common materials are metal, tooth-coloured porcelain, or a combination of both. We will help you select the best material to match your goals, offering options like porcelain, zirconia, and E-MAX crowns to suit your preferences.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically requires multiple visits. First, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth, which are sent to a lab where your custom crown is created. Once the crown is ready, you’ll return to the office to have your temporary crown removed and the final one placed.
To prepare your tooth for the crown, we’ll need to remove a small amount of enamel. This step is done under local anaesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process. While waiting for the final crown, you’ll be fitted with a temporary one.
After the crown is placed, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for it, including brushing and flossing around the crown. Regular check-ups and visits to the hygienist are recommended to ensure your crown stays in good condition.
How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?
With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 years or more. As with any dental restoration, regular maintenance and check-ups are essential to ensure it continues to function well over time.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Crowns are durable restorations that can closely resemble the appearance and feel of a natural tooth. The colour and shape of your crown can be customized to match your existing teeth, making it a natural-looking solution for damaged teeth. Crowns are also ideal for restoring teeth that have been weakened by significant decay or after root canal therapy, providing strength and functionality to teeth that would otherwise be at risk of further damage.(wikipedia)
Issues with an Existing Crown?
If you already have a crown and are experiencing any of the following issues, our emergency dental service can provide prompt assistance:
- Darkening at the edges: This can happen if your gums recede, exposing the metal part of your crown.
- Chips or cracks: If you notice visible cracks or damage to the crown, it may need to be replaced.
- Crown has come loose: If your crown falls off, keep it safe and visit our emergency dentist as soon as possible. We may be able to reattach or replace it.
Dental Crowns Consultation
Dental crown treatment starts at £650 per tooth, with the final cost depending on the materials chosen. To learn more about how dental crowns can restore your smile, book a consultation with our cosmetic dentistry team today.