Crowns

Why do I need a crown?

You may need a crown if you:

• Need to protect and seal a restored tooth after a root canal treatment.
• Have a cavity that is too large for a filling.
• Have a cracked or weak tooth.
• Need to cover a dental implant.
• Have a missing tooth and need to hold a bridge in place.

What can I expect when getting a Crown?

Typically, two dental visits are required to complete the treatment.

First visit:

• Prior to starting you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth.
• If needed, any decay will be removed and core filling will be added if an additional structure is required to support the crown.
• The tooth is then prepared for a crown by circumferentially removing a small amount of tooth/filling to accommodate the future crown.
• A 3D digital scan or mould is taken of your prepared tooth and sent to a specialised dental technician to make your custom made crown. Your dentist will place a temporary crown over your tooth whilst the permanent crown is being made.

Second visit:

• Within two weeks, your dentist will remove the temporary crown under local anaesthesia. The shape, colour and fit of your new crown will be checked before permanently cementing or bonding it to your tooth. Your dentist will then finally check your bite and give you any aftercare instructions.

What is a crown made from?

Crowns are made from a variety of materials. Your dentist will suggest a material or a combination of materials best suited to the tooth. The material can be ceramic, composite resin, porcelain or metal alloys, and most can be colour matched to your natural teeth.

What are the benefits of crown treatment?

Crowns provide functionality, allowing you to bite and chew correctly. They can also transform your smile by disguising broken, chipped or misshapen teeth, boosting your self-confidence.

How will I feel after treatment?

You will be aware of your crown for the first few days as it is something new in your mouth, and it may take a couple of weeks to fully adapt to it. However, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort and must contact your dentist if you do.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns are strong and can last for a decade or more, but their lifespan depends on the quality of the underlying tooth structure, your oral hygiene, diet and existing grinding or clenching habits.

If you are brushing and flossing your teeth daily, visiting your dentist and hygienist every six months and following their advice, it will increase the longevity of your crown.

• Clenching and grinding habits can cause damage to crowns and a suitable preventive appliance (e.g. a night guard) can be made by your dentist.

Do crowns require special care?

Good oral hygiene is always the best way to look after your teeth. Aim for twice-yearly visits to your dentist for dental exams and to your hygienist for professional teeth cleaning.

• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day
• Clean inter-dentally daily
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash once a day
• Avoid chewing hard foods

At Platinum Dental Care we are committed to helping you preserve your teeth and enhance your smile.