Crowns

Q. What are dental crowns?

A. Dental crowns are custom made ‘caps’ which fit over your tooth. They are often recommended:

• For broken teeth

• For teeth weakened by decay

• For teeth which already contain large fillings

• To protect a tooth after a root canal filling

• To improve the appearance of a tooth

• To help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place

Q. What are crowns made of?

A. Crowns come in a variety of different materials; we’ll talk to you about all the different options during your consultation:

• Porcelain bonded to precious/non-precious metal: this crown has a precious/non-precious metal base, which then has layers of natural tooth coloured porcelain applied.

• All-ceramic crown: this type of crown is completely free of metal, and is the most natural looking. It offers the same strength as a bonded crown but cosmetically offers a better appearance and can be used anywhere in the mouth.

• Gold crown: A gold crown is made of a mixture of metal alloys, which makes it very strong and hardwearing.

Q. How many dentist appointments will I need?

A. You will need two visits to Whitchurch Dental Practice when having a crown.

1. At your first visit we prepare the tooth for its chosen crown, take a series of impressions, record the way your teeth bite and choose an appropriate shade.

It normally takes 1-2 weeks for a crown to be made. A temporary crown or temporary filling will be placed so that you can still use the tooth whilst waiting for the permanent crown to be made and fitted.

1. At your second visit the temporary crown or filling is removed. When you and our dentist are happy with the shape, size and colour of the new crown, it is then cemented and positioned into place.

Occasionally the crown can need further adjustment. We will check your bite again and make sure you are completely comfortable with it.

Q. What else do I need to know?
A. Within a couple of days you should be less aware of your new crown and it should feel like a normal tooth. The crown itself will not decay but it’s important to clean and care for it, so that decay doesn’t start at the edge of the crown where it joins the natural tooth. Our dentist and hygienist will show you how to clean and care for your crown.

Well cared for crowns will last for many years, especially if you’re having regular appointments with our hygienist.

Please call Whitchurch Dental Studio on 01948 661139 to arrange a consultation to discuss dental crowns, or contact us here