Dental Crowns
A Crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the whole structure of a prepared tooth and is sometimes known as a cap.
A crown is strong and resembles the shape of a natural tooth it is crafted by a technician and can be made out of Porcelain, ceramic or gold.
A crown is suitable for any tooth that has been damaged or weakened by decay. It is also suitable to have a crown when the tooth has had a previous root canal treatment and provides extra support of the structure to the remaining tooth. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of the tooth and your smile.
What does the dental crown treatment involve?
The treatment usually takes place over two separate appointments; within the first appointment the tooth structure will be prepared. This will involve removing most of the outer surface of your tooth, and leaving a strong inner core. You will be given some local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
Impressions or a mould of your teeth is then taken in order to make the crown. We will then discuss what shade would be most suitable for you.
Once our lab technicians have carefully crafted your crown you will then come back for a second appointment to fit the crown. On the fitting appointment we will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent crown using a strong cement.
Will I require a temporary dental crown?
Yes, you will have a temporary crown for the time in between the two visits.
What is a post crown?
If a tooth has had a root canal filling we may advise to have a post inserted into the tooth to help support the crown. This can be placed directly into the root filling or our dental technicians can make a custom-made post to accurately fit the shape of the prepared root canal. The post is placed into the root canal and cemented in position ready for the crown to be attached over the top.
How long do dental crowns last?
A Crown can last for many years but they are still susceptible to decay around the edges of the crown, for this reason it is really important to maintain a good oral hygiene regime and keep up with regular dental health examinations.
