Dental Crowns explained
A crown fits over the whole visible part of a tooth, a little like a cap. It's used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling alone, or to protect a tooth after root canal treatment.
Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain fused to metal, or all-ceramic materials such as zirconia. The right choice depends on where the tooth is and how it looks and functions.
Benefits
- Protects a weak or cracked tooth
- Restores the tooth's shape and size
- Allows comfortable chewing
- Can be matched to your natural teeth
When it may help
- A cracked or heavily worn tooth
- A large filling that's failing
- A tooth that has had a root canal
- A misshapen or badly discoloured tooth
What happens during treatment
- 1
Examine
We check the tooth and take an X-ray to make sure the root is healthy.
- 2
Prepare
The tooth is numbed and reshaped to make room for the crown.
- 3
Measure
We take an impression and fit a temporary crown.
- 4
Fit
The final crown is checked for fit and colour, then cemented in place.
Will it hurt?
Local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable while the tooth is prepared. The tooth may feel a little sensitive for a few days, particularly to hot and cold.
After your treatment
- Be careful with sticky or hard food while you have a temporary crown
- Brush and floss around the crown as you would a natural tooth
- Avoid biting on very hard objects, such as ice
This page is general information and isn't a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise you on what's right for your teeth.
