Crowns

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:

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.

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.

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.

CEREC

CEREC ScannerCEREC is a revolutionary system that allows dental restorations such as crowns, veneers and inlays to be designed, created and fitted in a single visit to the practice.

Using CAD/CAM (Computer-aided Design / Computer-aided Manufacture) technology, CEREC removes the need for multiple appointments, temporary restorations and messy impressions.

What does the process involve?
Initially, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth for treatment before taking multiple scans and precise digital images of your mouth.

Using specialised computer software, your dentist will use the scans and images to design your new restoration with complete accuracy and precision.

Once happy with the final design, your dentist will send the specifications to an on-site milling machine. Your new tooth is then fabricated from a high-quality ceramic block. The whole milling process takes less than 30 minutes in total to create your restoration. The ceramic will be matched to your natural teeth to ensure the restoration fits seamlessly into your smile.

Your dentist will check they are happy with the fit before fixing the restoration into place onto your prepared tooth using a strong dental cement.

Key benefits

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Regrettably, our NHS services will end 31st March 2024. The practice has been providing dental care for over 40 years and have come to the difficult decision to cease to offer NHS care. All NHS treatments commenced before 1st April 2024 will be completed by the 31st March 2024. We will not be taking any further NHS appointments from 1st April 2024. If you wish to continue to receive NHS treatment you can find an NHS dentist from the NHS website at www.nhs.uk online or by contacting NHS111. If you wish to discuss your treatment options, please do not hesitate to contact our team on 01202 672138 and they will be more than happy to help you.