Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers the visible part of a tooth. It may be used to strengthen a weakened or heavily restored tooth, repair significant damage, improve appearance or complete treatment following a dental implant.

Crowns are sometimes called caps. They are fixed securely in place and are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, strength and function.

At Azure Dental Practice, crown treatment begins with a careful assessment of the tooth, gums and bite. Your dentist will explain whether a crown is suitable and discuss the available materials and alternative treatments.

What is a dental crown?

A crown is shaped like a natural tooth and fits over the remaining tooth structure.

It may cover the tooth completely or, in selected cases, provide partial coverage. Once fitted, the crown becomes the visible chewing surface of the tooth.

Crowns may be made from:

• Porcelain or ceramic
• Zirconia
• Porcelain bonded to metal
• Metal alloys
• Composite resin
• A combination of materials

The most appropriate material depends on the tooth’s position, appearance, strength requirements and your bite.

When might a crown be recommended?

A crown may be considered when a tooth is:

• Heavily filled or weakened
• Broken, cracked or badly worn
• Significantly affected by decay
• Misshapen or severely discoloured
• Unable to support a standard filling
• Treated with root canal treatment
• Being used to support a dental bridge
• Replaced with a dental implant

Crowns can improve the appearance, strength and function of damaged teeth, but the tooth must first be assessed to determine whether it can be restored predictably.

Types of dental crown

All-ceramic or porcelain crowns

Ceramic crowns can closely reproduce the colour and appearance of natural teeth.

They are often chosen for visible teeth, although modern ceramic materials may also be suitable for some back teeth.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia is a strong ceramic material that may be used where durability is especially important.

It can provide a natural appearance while coping with significant biting pressure.

Porcelain-bonded-to-metal crowns

These crowns have a metal inner structure covered with tooth-coloured porcelain.

They combine strength with an improved cosmetic appearance, although a darker line can sometimes become visible near the gum over time.

Metal crowns

Metal crowns are strong and require less removal of tooth structure in some cases.

They are usually used on less visible back teeth where function and durability are the main priorities.

Implant crowns

An implant crown replaces a missing tooth rather than covering a natural tooth.

It is attached to a dental implant that has been placed into the jawbone. Implant treatment requires a separate assessment and treatment process.

Benefits of dental crowns

A crown may:

• Strengthen a weakened tooth
• Restore a broken or heavily worn tooth
• Protect a tooth following root canal treatment
• Improve tooth shape, colour or alignment
• Restore comfortable biting and chewing
• Support a dental bridge
• Complete a dental implant restoration
• Provide a longer-lasting alternative to a large filling in selected cases

The result depends on the condition of the underlying tooth, gum health, bite and ongoing oral care.

Your crown consultation

Your dentist will examine the tooth and discuss any symptoms or concerns you have.

The assessment may include:

• Dental X-rays
• Examination of the tooth and surrounding gums
• Assessment of existing fillings
• Testing the health of the tooth nerve
• Evaluation of your bite
• Discussion of crown materials
• Digital scans or dental impressions

Any decay, gum disease or infection must usually be treated before the crown is fitted.

Root canal treatment and crowns

A tooth does not always require root canal treatment before receiving a crown.

However, root canal treatment may be necessary if the nerve inside the tooth is infected, severely inflamed or already damaged.

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can become more brittle, particularly back teeth exposed to heavy chewing forces. A crown may therefore be recommended to help protect the remaining tooth.

In some cases, symptoms can develop after a crown has been fitted and root canal treatment may later become necessary.

How is a dental crown fitted?

Crown treatment is usually completed over two or more appointments.

Preparing the tooth

Local anaesthetic is normally used to numb the tooth and surrounding area.

Your dentist removes any decay or failing filling material and carefully reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown.

If much of the tooth is missing, a filling material or supporting core may first be used to rebuild it.

Taking a scan or impression

A digital scan or traditional dental impression is taken so the crown can be made to fit accurately.

The shade is selected to complement your natural teeth where a tooth-coloured crown is being used.

Temporary crown

A temporary crown may be placed while the final crown is being manufactured.

Temporary crowns are not as strong as the final restoration. You may be advised to avoid hard or sticky foods and take extra care when cleaning around them.

Fitting the final crown

At the fitting appointment, the temporary crown is removed.

Your dentist checks the final crown’s:

• Fit
• Shape
• Colour
• Contact with neighbouring teeth
• Effect on your bite

Once everything is satisfactory, the crown is bonded or cemented securely in place.

Will crown treatment hurt?

Local anaesthetic is normally used while the tooth is being prepared.

You may feel pressure or vibration, but the procedure should not usually be painful.

The tooth and gum may feel mildly sensitive after treatment. Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure can occur while the tooth settles.

Contact the practice if you experience severe pain, increasing sensitivity, swelling or discomfort that does not improve.

Caring for a temporary crown

While wearing a temporary crown:

• Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side
• Brush carefully around the tooth
• Clean between the teeth as instructed
• Avoid pulling floss upward against the temporary crown
• Contact the practice if the crown becomes loose or falls out

Do not attempt to permanently glue a temporary crown back yourself.

Caring for your permanent crown

A crowned tooth still requires careful cleaning because decay and gum disease can develop around its edges.

To care for your crown:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth every day
• Use floss or interdental brushes as advised
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Attend regular dental examinations
• Attend hygiene appointments when recommended
• Avoid biting very hard objects
• Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth

Good brushing, interdental cleaning and limiting frequent sugar consumption help protect both crowns and natural teeth.

How long does a dental crown last?

A crown can last for many years, but it will not necessarily last forever.

Its lifespan depends on:

• The condition of the underlying tooth
• The crown material
• Gum health
• Oral hygiene
• Biting pressure
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Diet
• Regular dental maintenance

Crowns may eventually become worn, chipped, loose or damaged and could require repair or replacement.

Risks and considerations

Possible problems associated with crown treatment include:

• Temporary or ongoing tooth sensitivity
• Gum irritation
• Decay developing around the crown margin
• Chipping or fracture of the crown
• The crown becoming loose
• Wear to an opposing tooth
• Problems with the nerve inside the tooth
• The need for root canal treatment
• Fracture of the underlying tooth
• The need for replacement in the future

Preparing a tooth for a full crown is usually irreversible because natural tooth structure must be removed.

Your dentist will explain the risks that apply to your individual situation.

What happens if a crown becomes loose or falls out?

Keep the crown safe and contact Azure Dental Practice as soon as possible.

Do not use household glue or attempt to permanently reattach it yourself.

Depending on the condition of the crown and tooth, your dentist may be able to:

• Recement the crown
• Repair it
• Replace it
• Rebuild the underlying tooth
• Carry out root canal treatment
• Recommend another form of restoration

A loose, broken or lost crown may require urgent dental assessment, especially if the tooth is painful or sensitive.

Alternatives to a dental crown

White filling

A tooth-coloured filling may be suitable where enough healthy tooth structure remains.

Inlay or onlay

An inlay or onlay restores part of the chewing surface without covering the entire tooth.

Veneer

A veneer covers mainly the front surface of a tooth and is generally used for cosmetic improvement rather than strengthening a badly damaged tooth.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment may be required if the tooth nerve is infected or damaged. The tooth may still require a crown afterwards.

Dental extraction

If the tooth cannot be restored predictably, extraction may be necessary. Replacement options can then be discussed.

NHS and private crown treatment

Dental crowns may be available through NHS dentistry when clinically necessary.

Private treatment may provide a broader choice of materials, appearance and restoration design. Availability depends on your clinical needs and the options provided by the practice.

Your dentist will explain whether the proposed crown is available through the NHS, privately or through either option.

Book a crown consultation

A dental crown may help protect a weakened tooth, restore damage and improve its appearance and function.

Contact Azure Dental Practice to arrange an assessment and discuss whether a crown or another restorative treatment is the most suitable option for you.