Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, also known as caps, have both functional and aesthetic purposes. Primarily, a crown is used to protect the tooth when the underneath structure has been damaged or stained beyond repair.
However, the appearance of a crown will mean the tooth will look natural against the rest of your teeth, instead of having a damaged or discoloured tooth. Unlike dental bridges or dentures, crowns are permanently fixed into place. Therefore, they offer a long lasting solution to replace the surface of a tooth when it has been worn down or damaged.
Emax Crown
Emax crowns are made from Lithium Disilicate glass which is a type of ceramic. The benefits of Emax crowns is that less of the tooth needs to be removed to fit them, and their light coloured appearance blends seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
This makes them suitable for more visible areas of your mouth. Emax crowns also offer excellent longevity.
Metal Crown
One aspect to consider is that a metal crown will not blend in with your natural teeth. If the tooth is towards the back of your mouth, then this won’t cause too much of an issue. So the choice comes down to whether you would prefer a crown that has the same colour as the rest of your teeth or have a crown that will potentially have a longer lifespan but is visible as is the case with a metal crown.
Temporary Crown
If we fit a temporary crown on your tooth we will book you in for a follow up appointment to get a permanent crown fitted. This usually takes place within a couple of weeks.
Zirconia Crown
The look of Zirconia is slightly less natural compared with a porcelain crown. However, one option to counteract this is to have a porcelain layer placed over the crown, which will make it easier to colour match with your surrounding teeth.
Reasons For Needing A Crown
As we age our teeth do too. General decay, wear and tear and even the way we chew can take their toll on our teeth. Here are the 4 most common reasons why your dentist may suggest you need a crown:
Previous Root Canal Treatment
A crown is used to prevent the tooth from cracking or breaking. It is a straightforward procedure that is far less invasive than the root canal itself and will give longevity to the tooth.
Cavities
The possibility of tooth decay is just one of the reasons why regular dental checkups are essential so that such measures can be prevented. However, rest assured we will talk you through all of the options so that the best outcome for your tooth can be achieved.
Trauma
A crown acts as a preventative measure so that the tooth will remain intact. Some people who grind or damage their teeth may need a root canal, which in turn may also mean they need a dental crown.
Temporary Crown
If we fit a temporary crown on your tooth we will book you in for a follow up appointment to get a permanent crown fitted. This usually takes place within a couple of weeks.
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FAQs
How Much Does A Dental Crown Cost UK?
Crowns fall under Band 3 for NHS dentistry, meaning your treatment will be priced at £282.20. Some NHS patients may be exempt from the cost of dental treatment.
For private patients, our crowns start at £260 for a metal crown, ranging up to £550 for our Zirconia or Emax Crowns.
Additional fees if applicable will be discussed during your consultation.
How Much Tooth Is Needed For A Crown?
As part of the crown preparation process, your dentist will file down the tooth so it can accept the crown. If required, they will also fill areas out so that the shape is correct for the crown to be placed on top.
We will always advise you on the suitability of any treatment during your consultation, so please rest assured we will only fit a crown if we deem that the underlying tooth is suitable for the procedure.
If your tooth is not suitable for a crown, then we will explain any other options that may be available to you.
What Does A Dental Crown Procedure Involve?
The tooth will then be prepared by filing it down so that the crown will be able to fit properly over the top. Sometimes this requires what’s known as a build-up, whereby your dentist will replace some of the missing structure similar to a filling.
An impression of the prepared tooth will be taken and a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth. The impression will be sent off to a lab that will create your dental crown.
You’ll then return for your 2nd and final appointment, where your permanent crown will be cemented into place. The fit of the crown will be checked so that any adjustments can be made if needed.
In the few days following the procedure, there may be some slight soreness around the tooth, and over the counter pain medication may be necessary.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
Zirconia crowns last between 10 and 20 years though can last for longer.
Metal crowns have a slightly longer lifespan of up to 20 years. Gold crowns have the longest lifespan, and can potentially last a lifetime if taken care of to a high standard.
You can achieve the maximum lifespan of your crown by maintaining good oral hygiene including brushing twice a day, as well as using dental floss and mouthwash daily.
Come and see us for a regular checkup so we can see how you are getting on with your crown. We will also give you advice on how to best take care of your crown.
How Long Does A Crown Take To Fit?
We will keep you informed of everything you should expect during each appointment, though please contact us if you have any further questions.
How Can I Avoid Getting A Crown?
Firstly, great oral hygiene is a given as bacteria can cause a whole host of issues for your teeth and gums. We advise you to brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, in addition to using floss, interdental brushes and mouthwash. If it has been longer than 12 months since your last dentist appointment, please book a checkup with us.
Avoid smoking and limit sugary foods wherever possible, as this will help reduce tooth decay.
Trauma can also result in the need for a dental crown, so always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. You may also need a mouthguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep, so please come and see us if you are experiencing this issue, so that we can help protect your teeth.
Another top tip is to avoid using your teeth to open bottles or packaging with, as this is an easy way teeth can become chipped. A pair of scissors will do the job just fine!
If you are at the stage where your dentist has advised you that you need a crown, we will take the very best care of you to put you at ease.
Why Do I Need A Crown Not A Filling?
Getting Crowns On Front Teeth
The most natural looking crown type is an Emax crown. During your consultation, we will run through all the available options for you depending on where the tooth is so you can make an informed decision.
What Should I Do If My Crown Falls Off?
With good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, you shouldn’t experience any major problems with your crown.
However, in the rare event that your crown falls off, you’ll need a crown recement. Quite simply, this is where your dentist will cement the crown back into place.