Crowns

What is a crown?

A crown, which is sometimes referred to as a cap, is an artificial cover that is placed over a tooth with dental cement.  There is a variety of materials that crowns can be made out of:

• Porcelain bonded to metal.  These are strong crowns which have a core of metal covered by tooth coloured porcelain.
• All ceramic crowns. These crowns are metal free and have superb aesthetics.
• Metal crowns.  These are strong crowns which are usually silver or gold in colour.

Why would I need a crown?

There are many reasons why you might need a crown.  This may include:

• Repairing teeth that cannot be repaired with a filling alone.  This may be due to extensive decay or extensive fracture of a tooth.
• To improve the structural strength of the tooth after a root canal.
• To protect the integrity of heavily restored teeth

What is involved in having a crown fitted?

Following the initial consultation a crown usually takes 2 visits to fit.  The first visit involves preparing the tooth for the crown, usually under local anaesthetic.  An impression is taken and a temporary crown is fitted.  The impressions are then sent to a UK laboratory and your crown is manufactured by a highly skilled technician.  The following visit the crown is fitted with dental cement.

Is it painful?

The procedure is conducted under local anaesthetic so is not usually painful. Occasionally the crown may feel a little strange in the mouth but will soon settle in after a couple of days.

How long should a crown last?

There are many factors affect the longevity of a crown including oral hygiene, diet, regular checkups.  However on average a crown would be expected to last between 7 and 10 years.