Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They're one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry, protecting weakened teeth while providing natural-looking results.

When Are Crowns Needed?

• After root canal treatment to protect the weakened tooth
• To restore severely decayed or broken teeth
• To cover and support teeth with large fillings
• To hold dental bridges in place
• To cover dental implants
• To improve appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth
• To protect cracked teeth from further damage

Types of Crowns

Porcelain/Ceramic Crowns

Best for: Front teeth

Advantages: Excellent aesthetics, natural color matching, biocompatible

Cost: £800-£1,200

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

Best for: Front or back teeth

Advantages: Strong, good aesthetics, proven track record

Disadvantages: Metal may show at gum line, possible allergic reactions

Cost: £500-£900

Gold Alloy Crowns

Best for: Back teeth

Advantages: Extremely durable, gentle on opposing teeth, excellent longevity

Disadvantages: Metallic color

Cost: £700-£1,000

Zirconia Crowns

Best for: Front or back teeth

Advantages: Extremely strong, excellent aesthetics, biocompatible, tooth-colored

Cost: £800-£1,500

The Crown Procedure

First Visit: Preparation and Impressions

Your dentist numbs the tooth and surrounding area, then shapes the tooth by removing outer structure to accommodate the crown. Impressions are taken (traditional or digital scan) and sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent crown is being made (usually 2-3 weeks).

Second Visit: Crown Placement

The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, shape, and color. Once approved, it's permanently cemented in place. Some practices offer same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology.

Same-Day Crowns (CEREC)

Advanced CAD/CAM technology allows some practices to design, mill, and place crowns in a single visit. Benefits include no temporary crown, no second appointment, and immediate results. However, they're typically more expensive and material options are limited.

Caring for Your Crown

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily, especially around the crown
• Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or using teeth as tools
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Attend regular dental check-ups
• Address any gum disease promptly

How Long Do Crowns Last?

With proper care, crowns typically last:

• Porcelain/ceramic: 10-15 years
• PFM: 10-15 years
• Gold: 15-20+ years
• Zirconia: 10-15+ years

Potential Issues

• Sensitivity: Normal initially, should subside within weeks
• Crown coming loose: Requires re-cementation or replacement
• Chipping: Small chips can be repaired, large chips require replacement
• Allergic reaction: Rare, usually to metal alloys
• Gum recession: May expose crown margins over time

Cost and NHS Availability

Private costs range from £500-£1,500 depending on material. NHS crowns are available as Band 3 treatment (£319.10), but options are limited to basic materials. Investment in high-quality crowns pays off in longevity, aesthetics, and function.