A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive, providing a neat and natural coloured cover up for damaged or unsightly teeth. Crowns fit completely over the whole tooth, concealing defects caused by chips, decay, discolouration or large fillings. They can also be used to correct minor problems in natural teeth, including spacing and an irregular shape.
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Firstly, a thorough clinical examination is conducted, with radiographs, by the dentist. Your suitability for crowns is assessed and any preparatory work is carried out. Your dentist will also be able to advise on material choices, treatment sequence and any other concerns you may have.
At your second appointment, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. We reduce the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia), to create space for your crown to be fitted. We also take digital scans and impressions so your crown can be custom made. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.
Where possible, we make use of the CEREC system to be able to fabricate your crown and complete your treatment in a single visit. However, in some cases we need to send the impressions to a dental laboratory for construction and another visit will be required to complete the treatment.
At your fitting appointment, we remove the temporary crown and clean the surface of your tooth. Your final crown is tried on your tooth, and we check for fit, harmony with the bite, and appearance. Finally, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth using dental cement.
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Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin between tooth and crown, so you should pay close attention when brushing here. Also, regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment.
We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area before preparing your tooth for a crown, and fitting the crown itself to make sure you won’t feel any pain. We take the time to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable before beginning any treatment. Many patients find that having a crown is no more uncomfortable than a filling.
Ceramic on the surface of your crown may chip or fracture over time or due to wear and tear. Avoid chewing excessively hard items, or using your teeth to open anything, to avoid causing any damage to your crown.
Crowns are not permanent, and will need replacing or repairing at some point. The treatment process is irreversible as some of your natural dental enamel is removed in order to accommodate the crown on top, so you will always need a crown on your tooth. Most crowns last for up to 10-15 years before natural wear and tear will likely cause the need for removal and replacement.
01273 452 947
info@shorehamdentist.co.uk
The Dental Practice
Mariner Point,
81 Brighton Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex,
BN43 6DG
We are wheelchair accessible and have car parking spaces on site.
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