Crowns are commonly used to repair significant structural or functional damage to a tooth. As they replace the entire outer structure of the tooth, they offer a complete restoration for teeth needing a comprehensive rebuild. If your tooth has had multiple fillings, extensive decay, or general wear and tear, a crown may be the ideal solution.
In some cases, we may recommend a crown to restore a tooth following root canal treatment, ensuring both aesthetics and reliability.
We first ensure that the internal structure of the tooth is intact and that there are no signs of infection present. We prepare your tooth by removing a layer of tooth structure, making sure we leave a strong core.
We take impressions of your teeth and record their colour so your crown can be made to fit perfectly. Between appointments, we protect the prepared tooth with a temporary crown.
When your crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and the new permanent one is fixed in place with a strong dental cement.
The best way to care for your crown is to stay on top of your oral hygiene – this means keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing between your teeth. You also need to see your dentist regularly for check-ups so they can keep an eye on your crown and the tooth underneath.
You are able to choose the colour of your crown, based on your personal preferences. We may advise you of the shade which would best match your natural tooth colour, but it is ultimately up to you. If you are considering having whitening treatment, you may prefer to have this treatment first, as whitening is not effective on crowns and your crown can then be made to match your new shade.
Tooth crowns are not permanent, and will need replacing or repairing at some point. The treatment process is irreversible as some of your natural dental enamel is removed in order to accommodate the crown on top, so you will always need a crown on your tooth. Most crowns last for up to 10-15 years before natural wear and tear will likely cause the need for removal and replacement.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area before preparing your tooth for a crown, and fitting the crown itself to make sure you won’t feel any pain. We take the time to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable before beginning any treatment. Many patients find that having a crown is no more uncomfortable than a filling.
Yes, you can generally eat and drink normally once your permanent crown is fitted. However, it's best to avoid excessively hard or chewy foods that could damage the crown.