If you have a tooth that is damaged or causing you problems, you may have heard your dentist mention a “dental crown.”
While the name sounds quite grand, the concept is straightforward and it’s one of the most common and effective ways we restore teeth at Kennett Road Dental Practice.
Understanding what a crown is and why you might need one is the first step towards feeling confident and comfortable with your treatment.
Think of a dental crown as a custom-made, permanent “cap” that fits snugly over your entire existing tooth, right down to the gum line. Its purpose is to completely cover and encase the visible part of the tooth.
In doing so, it restores the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength, while also dramatically improving its appearance. Essentially, a crown becomes the new protective outer surface for the tooth.
Common Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown
There are several situations where a crown is the best possible solution to protect a patient’s long-term oral health. You might need a crown if a tooth has a very large filling and there isn’t enough natural tooth left to support it, which can prevent the tooth from fracturing.
A crown is also used to strengthen a tooth that has been weakened, perhaps by a crack or due to having had root canal treatment, as the tooth can become more brittle afterwards.
Crowns are also the standard treatment for restoring a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down. Beyond these structural reasons, crowns play a major role in cosmetic dentistry.
They can be used to cover a poorly shaped or severely discoloured tooth to completely transform its appearance. Another reason is to replace failing or unsightly existing crowns.
Finally, crowns are a crucial component of other dental work; they are used to hold a dental bridge in place and are the final restoration placed on top of a dental implant.
What Are Crowns Made Of? A Look at the Different Types
When choosing a crown, one of the most important decisions is the material it will be made from.
At our Headington practice, we use several high-quality options, and the best choice depends on the location of the tooth, the strength required, and your aesthetic goals.
Modern all-ceramic crowns are often the most popular choice, especially for front teeth, as they offer a superb, natural appearance that can be almost perfectly colour-matched to your surrounding teeth.
Zirconia, which is one of these ceramics, is an excellent choice that combines this natural look with exceptional strength, making it durable enough for any tooth in your mouth.
For some teeth at the back of the mouth where chewing forces are greatest, metal alloys such as gold can be the most durable solution.
While their metallic colour makes them less desirable for visible teeth, their strength and longevity are second to none. We will always discuss the pros and cons of each type with you to select the material that matches your specific needs.
The Process of Getting a Crown at Our Oxford Practice
The journey to receiving your new crown is a precise and carefully planned process that typically takes place over two appointments.
During your first visit, we will gently prepare the tooth. This involves reshaping it to make sure the crown will fit perfectly over the top.
We then take a highly accurate digital scan of the prepared tooth- no need for messy traditional impression material!
This is emailed to our skilled dental technicians who will use it as a blueprint to craft your beautiful, custom crown from your chosen material. Before you leave this first appointment, we will fit a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
A couple of weeks later, at your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and clean the tooth. We will then try in your new, permanent crown, checking the fit and the colour meticulously.
Once both you and your dentist are perfectly happy with the result, we will bond the crown securely in place with a strong dental adhesive. The result is a tooth that looks, feels, and functions similar to a natural tooth, allowing you to smile, speak, and eat with complete confidence.
If you believe you have a tooth that could benefit from a crown, or if you have any questions about the treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our friendly team in Headington. We are here to help you understand your options and restore your smile.
