Crowns

What is a crown?

A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.

Crowns are used for several reasons:

What are crowns made from?

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials.  They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys.  A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.

How are crowns made?

Firstly, a thorough clinical examination is conducted with radiographs, by the dentist.  The 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 the second appointment, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. This involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth.  This trimming of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted.  The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.

At the third appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth surfaces cleaned.  The completed crown is tried on the tooth for fit, harmony with the bite, and appearance.  Finally, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth with dental cement.

How long do crowns last and how do I care for them?

Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.

Ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones. 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 or the junction between tooth and crown.

Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment.

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Very professional dental practice, both dentists and staff are very helpful. All treatments and procedures are explained thoroughly, and your mind is put at ease.

Wouldn’t go anywhere else!

- S.Gill

After being terrified of Dentist for almost 60 years, I have at last found in Greg one that I can trust. He is kind, thoughtful and advises you every step of the way. I was actually able to sit through and have an extraction without fear, Did not feel a thing!

Thank you Greg

- AB

Just wanted to say a big ‘Thank you’ to you for all the time & effort you put into making sure my veneer was just right. It really is a job well done , & the care you took is very much appreciated. I’ve had several veneers over the past 20 years, but none look as natural as this one. Please pass on my thanks to the laboratory too.

Best Wishes

- AC

To Greg, & all the staff at Rotherholme Dental Practice.

I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with me & helping me conquer my ‘fear of dentist!’ For saying that 6 months ago I couldn’t even go into the waiting room without panicking & crying….I shall almost miss my regular visits!

Thank you and see you in 6months – “with no fear at all”

- EL

Dear Judith

Just a short note to say thank you for being so patient with me. Thanks to you and all your friendly staff, I have overcome my fear of dentist again, and from now on shall be attending regular check ups. Thank you all once again.

- SH

Many, many thanks for your kindness and patience. Completely painless and restored my faith in dentist.

To Greg, Judith, Hannah, Kate & Sarah

Thank you for letting me experience a brilliant dentistry practice!

I wanted to say how very pleased I was with the last work you did on my teeth.

The crown and bridge blend beautifully with the rest of my teeth, and the denture was so comfortable that from the very beginning, I had to check whether I was really wearing it!

Thank you very much indeed, with all good wishes.

- AB