Crown Treatment

What is a Crown/Cap?

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of the prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and colour of a natural tooth.

Why would I need to crown a tooth?

To improve the appearance: e.g. of discoloured or crooked teeth.

To increase strength and prolong life of tooth: The tooth may be broken or weakened by decay and a large filling would not stay in.

To help hold a bridge in: (a bridge replaces missing teeth, and is fixed in place by being attached to one or more crowned teeth beside it)

How is the crown prepared?

Local anaesthetic is given making the procedure painless.

Stage 1: The dentist will gently remove most of the outer surface of the tooth, leaving a strong inner core (20 mins. approx). This outer surface will be replaced by a new stronger outer surface, i.e. the crown.

Stage 2: The dentist will take impressions (moulds) of the prepared tooth and of the opposing jaw (takes 20 mins).

Stage 3: A temporary crown will be made while you wait 2-3 weeks for the crown to be made. We only temporarily glue it in. Sometimes they can come off, so just drop in and we'll glue it back in.

Stage 4: 2-3 weeks later you will have a shorter appointment where the crown is permanently cemented.

Up to 20% of the cost can be claimed back from the taxman. We will even complete the necessary forms for you!