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Providing dentistry and facial aesthetics at our Swiss Cottage dental practice

Crowns

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Would you like to:

  • Restore or protect a damaged or decayed tooth.
  • Permanently restore a tooth that has a large filling or can no longer support a filling.
  • Correct a minor problem such as gaps or misaligned teeth.
  • Improve any discoloured teeth.

If so, then a dental crown could help you. Particularly in more serious cases where the alternative would be complete removal of the tooth, a crown can offer a highly effective way of helping to restore functionality and strength to your tooth- enabling you to smile and eat confidently.

What will my crown look like?

Your crown will be carefully matched to your other teeth in size and shape (and colour if required).  Once fitted it should feel comfortable, secure and (when you get used to it) as if it has always been there.

A crown can be made from various different materials depending on your preference. Gold and metal alloys are particularly strong options for back teeth. Tooth coloured ceramic and porcelain crowns offer a more natural looking alternative.

Are there alternatives to a crown?

As a crown will require the removal of significant amount of enamel it may not always be recommended unless absolutely necessary.

If a crown has been suggested in place of an existing filling it is likely that your tooth is no longer strong enough to support a filling. In this case the only other option is extraction of the tooth.

It is important to avoid the extraction of a tooth unless absolutely necessary. There are various reasons for this..

  • Self-confidence can be greatly affected with one or more missing teeth.
  • Gaps can cause problems with eating and speech.
  • Remaining teeth can twist or become crooked when gaps are present.
  • Your risk of gum disease and tooth decay is increased as food and bacteria can be trapped in gaps.
  • Where teeth are missing there is a lack of stimulation to your gum. This can lead to bone recession and muscle wastage in your face causing your facial features to look older.

Fitting of your crown

Your crown will be fitted over several appointments.

Your first appointment will involve a thorough check over to establish your suitability for treatment. X-rays will be taken and a treatment plan discussed with you. You will also be asked for your preference on materials.

At your next appointment your existing tooth will be prepared. This will involve the removal of enamel from your tooth to ensure sufficient space for the crown to be fitted. Work will take place under a local anaesthetic so that you are comfortable. Once finished, impressions will be taken and used to manufacture your crown. Temporary restoration will be fitted if necessary.

At your third appointment (around 2 weeks later) your tooth will be cleaned. The new crown will be checked to ensure it fits comfortably and that it is the correct size and shape.   It will then be securely bonded in place.

Do crowns last very long?

Your crown will be made from strong and durable materials which will not deteriorate. Provided that it is regularly checked and you are careful when eating particularly hard foods your crown should last for many years.

Remember to pay attention to the tooth underneath your crown which is still vulnerable to developing tooth decay and gum disease.  Aim to brush and floss your teeth twice a day.