Crowns

Orchard House Dental Practice

What is a crown?
Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth, which have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. The crown fits right over the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes also known as ‘caps’.

Why would I need a crown?
There are a number of reasons. For instance:
The tooth may have been weakened by a very large filling.

• You may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.
• You may have had a root filling that will require a crown to protect it.
• You may have had an accident and damaged the tooth
• It may hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

What are crowns made of?
Crowns are made of a variety of materials. Here are some of the options available to you:

• Porcelain bonded to precious metal: This is what the majority of crowns are made from.
• Porcelain: These crowns are not as strong as bonded crowns but they can look very natural on front teeth.
• Precious metal (gold and palladium): These crowns are very strong and hardwearing, but are usually used at the back of the mouth, where they are not visible.

Who makes the crown?
The impression and shade information will be given to a dental technician who will be skilled in making crowns. Models will be made of your mouth and the crown will be made in a local lab.

Does it hurt to have a crown preparation?

No. A local anesthetic is used and the preparation should feel no different to that of a filling. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared, then local anesthetic may not be needed.

How long will a crown last?
The life of a crown will depend on how well it is looked after. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. It is very important to keep this area as clean as your other teeth.

How are crowns fixed to teeth?
Once the fit and appearance of the crown has been checked and approved by you, it will be cemented into place with special dental cement