Crowns
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is the solution if you need to protect a severely damaged or extensively restored tooth.
Dental crowns are restorative caps that cover the entire tooth. They aim to support a weakened tooth, allowing it to function normally without fear of fracture.
Dental crowns can also be utilised to make aesthetic modifications for existing issues that more conservative methods may not effectively address.
Conditions That May Require a Dental Crown
- A broken or cracked tooth
- Heavily restored tooth
- Badly broken-down teeth
- Following root canal treatment
- To support a dental bridge
- Aesthetic modifications regarding shape, size, and colour of anterior teeth.
Concept of a Dental Crown
A tooth that lacks sufficient remaining structure to support a dental restoration, an extensively restored tooth, and a root canal-treated tooth are considered brittle. If these teeth are left unprotected under significant masticatory forces, they will likely fracture. In cases where a tooth severely breaks, extraction becomes the only viable treatment option.
We prioritise preserving natural teeth at Dulwich Dental Office, as no restorative solution can replicate them perfectly. We offer world-class dental crown solutions to safeguard your teeth.
A dental crown is a restorative shell that encases the visible portion of a tooth. It is designed to fit into a specially prepared space created by reducing the tooth’s structure. Dental crowns replicate the tooth’s natural anatomy using high-quality materials, providing strength to withstand masticatory forces without fracture.
Dental Crowns Materials
Several materials are available for constructing dental crowns. The choice depends on the condition of the tooth and your aesthetic preferences. Dental crowns can be made from:
1. Metal
Metal alloys and gold were among the first materials to fabricate dental crowns.
These materials offer exceptional durability, require minimal preparation, thereby conserving tooth structure, and are rarely prone to breakage.
The only drawback of metal crowns is their colour, which limits their use to molar teeth.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
As a step forward, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were introduced to enhance the aesthetic of metal crowns while retaining their advantages.
They consist of a metal shell coated with a porcelain layer that matches the colour of the surrounding teeth.
These restorations are durable and can restore both anterior and posterior teeth. However, there is a risk of failure due to porcelain fractures, and in some cases, the metal collar may become visible through the gums in the anterior teeth.
3. Ceramic
Ceramic crowns represent a significant advancement in achieving strong and natural-looking dental crowns.
These crowns are highly durable and capable of withstanding substantial forces without fracturing while providing an unparalleled aesthetic appearance.
The primary disadvantages of ceramic crowns are that they necessitate more extensive tooth preparation and are relatively expensive.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel crowns are prefabricated dental crowns made from stainless steel. They are regarded as the most suitable type of crown for primary teeth due to their cost-effectiveness and the reduced number of dental visits required for placement.
5. Acrylic
They are the least expensive type of dental crowns, yet the most fragile. Fabricated from acrylic resin, these crowns are weak, highly porous, and easily stained. Acrylic crowns are typically used for temporary crown fabrication until the final restoration is constructed.
Dental Crown Fabrication
Dulwich Dental Office is a leading destination in London, offering high-quality, durable dental crowns. Our expert prosthodontists are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care to ensure that all our patient’s needs are met. We take pride in our state-of-the-art clinic, equipped with the latest technologies and tools, to provide a comfortable dental experience. The process of fabricating a dental crown involves:
- Examination
- The tooth requiring a dental crown is thoroughly examined. The existing restoration, whether a dental filling or root canal treatment, is evaluated to ensure its success. Digital X-ray is beneficial to examine the part of the tooth that is not visible in the oral cavity. Our recent digital X-ray machine decreases radiation exposure to maximise your safety.
- The appropriate dental crown material will be selected based on your preferences and tooth location.
- Tooth Preparation
- Local anaesthesia will be administered, and depending on the type of dental crown material selected, a specific amount of tooth structure will be reduced to create space for the crown.
- Impression Making
- After the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken to create a model for crown fabrication. This impression can be recorded digitally using a high-resolution camera or conventionally using a putty material placed over your teeth until it sets.
- The dental impression is sent to the laboratory along with the preselected colour of ceramic or porcelain, based on the type of dental crown that has been selected.
- Cementation
- After the dental crown is completed, another visit is required. The dental crown will be fitted and assessed for margin adaptation, colour matching, and occlusion with the opposing teeth. This process is followed by the cementation of the dental crown using a durable type of cement.
Temporary Crowns
After teeth preparation to receive dental crowns, it may take a few days for the dental lab to fabricate the crown. The prepared tooth cannot be left without coverage because:
- It is more prone to fracture because it is weaker than its original state.
- Poor aesthetics
- If the tooth is vital, the exposed dentin will lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Impaired mastication
- If a prolonged period is taken to fabricate the final crown, the position of the teeth may shift, resulting in a poor fit for the new crown.
A temporary crown will restore both function and aesthetics. Also, they help maintain contact with the neighbouring teeth until the final crown is completed. These crowns are typically fabricated from acrylic resin or stainless steel.
FAQS
There are several reasons your dentist might advise that you have a crown:
- The tooth may have been weakened by having a large filling
- You may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the teeth
- You may have had a root canal-filled tooth that needs a crown to protect it
- You may have had an accident and damaged the tooth
- If you have a fractured tooth
- You may want to improve the appearance of your smile
There are various types of crowns, such as porcelain, gold, porcelain-bonded to precious metal, and ceramic. The appropriate type of crown for your individual needs will depend on the required strength and aesthetics. The cost and your financial ability are also important to be considered. Our expert prosthodontists will explain the differences and advise about the best type.
Dental crowns are essential to extend the life of badly broken-down teeth to avoid extraction and improve teeth function and aesthetics.
Dental crowns have limited disadvantages:
- They represent a durable treatment solution; however, they may need replacement after some time due to the normal material tear and wear.
- They cannot be considered a conservative treatment solution as they require a reduction of tooth structure.
- The dental crown margin is a favourable area for plaque accumulation, which may lead to gum inflammation. Keeping regular hygiene and proper cleaning through regular brushing and flossing will decrease that risk.
- Expensive
Dental crown fabrication is not a lengthy procedure. Only two visits are required to receive your dental crown.
Crown fabrication is not painful at all. The tooth preparation takes place under local anaesthetic effects. At the end of your first visit, a temporary crown is fabricated to avoid tooth sensitivity due to the exposed dentine surface. However, you may experience mild tooth sensitivity after crown cementation that should subside within a few days.
Dental crowns aim to restore teeth’ function. However, it is advised to avoid hard and sticky food to prevent crown fracture.
During crown fabrication, a significant amount of tooth structure is removed. This exposes the dentine surface and may cause teeth sensitivity. It is normal to experience mild tooth sensitivity after receiving a dental crown due to the exposed dentine surface. This should last only for a few days. If not, consult our dental experts to rule out other reasons, such as premature contact.
The dental crown’s durability depends on how strong the remaining tooth is, how heavy your bite is, and how well it is looked after with a good daily oral health regime and a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and drinks intake. If all these factors are controlled, a crown can and will last many years.
Crowned teeth require following a strict oral hygiene regime to avoid plaque accumulation at the crown margin, which may lead to gum inflammation, bad odour, and bad taste in the mouth. Brush your natural and crowned teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. Keep regular hygiene and check-up visits to maintain your oral health.
Other General Dental Treatments
PREVENTIVE CARE
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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
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BONDING
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FLEXIBLE DENTURES
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BRIDGES
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MOUTHGUARDS
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FILLINGS
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CHILDRENS DENTISTRY
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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS
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ORTHODONTICS
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DENTURE STABILISATION
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HYGIENIST
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ORAL CANCER SCREENING
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AIR ABRASION
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We Have You Covered
Choosing the right dentist is important, and at Dulwich Dental Office we’re proud to provide trusted private and NHS dental care for patients throughout London. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine check-up in Camberwell, cosmetic bonding in Brixton, Invisalign treatment in Fulham, professional whitening in Parsons Green, or dental implants in Chelsea, you can expect professional care delivered with compassion and attention to detail.
Our highly experienced team provides a wide range of preventative, cosmetic and restorative dental treatments, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care in one modern practice. Our services include emergency dental treatments, routine examinations, hygiene appointments, fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, braces, Invisalign clear aligners, composite bonding, teeth whitening, prosthodontics, bone grafting and dental implants in London.
We proudly welcome patients from Herne Hill, Tulse Hill, Balham, Clapham and Streatham, many of whom return year after year because of our personalised approach and commitment to outstanding patient satisfaction. Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to meet your individual needs, lifestyle and long-term oral health goals.
Whether you’re looking to maintain healthy teeth or completely transform your smile, Dulwich Dental Office offers the expertise and support you need. Contact our friendly team today to schedule your next dental appointment.
OTHER DENTAL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
SPECIALIST TREATMENTS
These treatments use specalist technology, need more involved care, or are for a specific group of patients, like children.
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
From smile makeovers and tooth whitening to invisibraces. We offer a wide range of cosmetic services to guarantee a great smile in 6 months
CONTACT US
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Dental Clinic
Dulwich Dental Office is a renowned clinic that delivers a high-quality dental care service in East Dulwich. Call: 0208 6933339
