About dental crowns

Dental crowns are often used when a tooth has a large filling, has fractured, or after root canal treatment. They can also improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth, and are designed to protect the tooth and help maintain a healthy bite.

When do I need a dental crown?

Your dentist might suggest a dental crown if you have:

    • A weak or cracked tooth
    • A broken or worn-down tooth
    • Advanced tooth decay
    • Discoloured or misshapen teeth
    • Root canal treatment
    • Dental implants
    • Partial dentures

How are dental crowns fitted?

The time it takes to have crowns placed will vary depending on your dental needs, however, usually it will take place over two appointments.

  • At your first appointment: your dentist will prepare your tooth for a dental crown, by carefully reshaping it to best accommodate the crown. A digital scan or dental impression will be taken, which will be sent to our state-of-the-art laboratory where technicians will create your custom-made crown. You’ll be given a temporary crown while you wait for your final crown to be made.
  • At your second visit: your dentist will remove the temporary crown and bond your custom-made crown to your existing tooth with a dental adhesive, ensuring it sits comfortably alongside the rest of your teeth. If required, local anaesthetic can be used to make treatment more comfortable. You might experience some sensitivity after the anaesthetic wears off, however this is minimal and won’t last long.

What are crowns made from?

Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials and new materials are continuously being introduced with new advances in dentistry. Your dentist will advise which treatment is best for you, based on your individual needs.

  • Metal, including gold alloy and other metal-based alloys
  • Zirconia
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain fused to metal (known as PFM)
  • Porcelain fused to zirconia
  • Ceramic
  • Resin

 

How long will a crown last?

A crown can typically last between five and 15 years: depending on your habits, lifestyle and dental care routine. Teeth grinding can put pressure on a crown, leading to cracks and possible damage. If you know that you suffer from clenching or grinding, speak to us. We will be able to provide you with advice and possible solutions (such as a mouthguard) to help protect your crown and keep it looking its best.

How shall I look after my crown?

You can treat your crown like a normal tooth – it doesn’t require any specific care. The advice we give to everyone is to maintain a good home care regime, by visiting your hygienist or dental therapist regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned – and of course seeing your dentist regularly too.