There are many techniques that can be used to repair and preserve before exploring an extraction of the tooth. Crowns are an ideal way to rebuild teeth which have been broken, or weakened by decay or a large filling.

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps which sit on top of damaged teeth. Once fixed onto your tooth it is indistinguishable from a real tooth. It very simply restores the look and function of the affected tooth whilst giving your tooth the strength it needs to protect it from further damage. Crowns can be made from metal or more subtle tooth-coloured porcelain and are often referred to as “Caps”.

In your first appointment, the clinician will examine the tooth and prepare it for a crown. We will also take X-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone. Painless impressions using putty are taken of the tooth that’s receiving the crown, the teeth above the crown, so the crown can correctly fit with your bite. The impressions will be sent to a lab to create the crown, which takes about two to three weeks. Your dentist will give you a temporary crown to wear to protect your teeth between your first and second visits.

You will be consulted and have the final say on the shade used to ensure it matches your existing tooth colour.

FAQs

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth while restoring its shape, appearance and function.

Why would I need a crown?

There are several reasons. For instance:

The tooth may have been weakened by having a very large filling.
You may have had a root filling, which will need a crown to protect it.
You may have had an accident and damaged the tooth.
Your tooth might feel different after the procedure, as it might have a slightly different shape than your original tooth. This is normal and should acclimatise after a few days. If your bite does not feel comfortable after a few days, further adjustments can
be made.

How can I get a crown?

The dental crown procedure typically happens over the course of two appointments.

You will first have a consultation to determine whether a crown is right for you. If it is, the clinician will discuss the pros and cons of each material on offer. We will help you to decide which type of crown is right for you.
In your first appointment, the clinician will examine the tooth and prepare it for a crown. We will also take X-rays of the tooth and surrounding bone. Painless impressions (using paste) are taken of the tooth that’s receiving the crown, the teeth above the crown, so the crown can correctly fit with your bite. The impressions will be sent to a lab to create the crown, which takes about two to three weeks. Your dentist will give you a temporary crown to wear to protect your teeth between your first and second visits. You will be consulted and have the final say on the shade used to ensure it matches your existing tooth colour.
In your second appointment, the clinician will remove the temporary crown and permanently fix your lab-made crown. The fit and bite will be checked before you leave the surgery, and any necessary adjustments will be made.

Your tooth might feel different after the procedure, as it might have a slightly different shape than your original tooth. This is normal and should be regulated after a few days. If your bite does not feel comfortable after a few days, further adjustments can be made.

What are crowns made of?

Crowns are made of a variety of materials, and new materials are being introduced all the time.

Here are some of the options available at present:

Porcelain Bonded to Precious Metal – the most common crown, white in colour. Porcelain is applied over base metal.
All Porcelain / Ceramic – not quite as strong but minimal tooth preparation and looks very natural, therefore fantastic for front teeth.
Porcelain Bonded to Zirconia – strong and metal-free, so both functional and aesthetic.
Metal only – very strong and hard-wearing, less tooth drilling needed, but gold or silver in colour, so used mainly at the back of the mouth.

When might I need a dental crown?

Crowns may be recommended for heavily restored or broken teeth, after root canal treatment or when a tooth needs more protection than a filling can provide.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is normally numbed with local anaesthetic during preparation. Some sensitivity or tenderness can occur afterwards and should settle as the tooth adapts.

How long do dental crowns last?

Crowns can last many years, but longevity varies according to the material, bite forces, oral hygiene and maintenance. They may eventually need repair or replacement.

Will the tooth underneath a crown still need care?

Yes. A crowned tooth still needs daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular dental reviews. Plaque can build up around the crown margins just as it can around natural teeth.