Dental Crowns Harrow

What are dental crowns?

Every tooth has two parts – the hidden part called the root, and the visible part called the crown. However, some patients require an artificial crown, which dentists call ‘dental crowns’. Dental crowns are made of porcelain or metal and they fit right on top of an existing tooth. The real tooth is still there – it’s just hidden under the dental crown.

What’s the benefit of a dental crown?

Dental crowns serve many purposes. Here’s some of the main ones:

1. Protect teeth from decay – A crown completely covers a tooth and therefore protects it from plaque. This is good if you have teeth that are prone to decay.
2. Replace a missing tooth – If you lose a tooth, then the dentist can fill the gap with an artificial tooth. This will consist of a dental implant (which is an artificial root) along with a dental crown.
3. Protect broken teeth – Crowns can hide and protect broken teeth.
4. Enhance your smile – You can choose to have crowns just for cosmetic purposes. For example, if your teeth are misshapen or strongly discoloured, then dental crowns can hide these teeth and help give you a perfect smile.

What is the procedure for fitting a dental crown?

The first step is a simple consultation with your harrow dentist. During this initial visit, the dentist will discuss dental crowns with you and answer any of your questions. The dentist will also examine your teeth to see if you are suitable for crowns.

At your next visit, the dentist will carefully file down the sides and top of the teeth to make room for the crowns. The dentist will also make an impression of your teeth. A laboratory will then use this impression to make the actual crowns. In the meantime, you’ll wear temporary crowns made of acrylic.

Once the laboratory has finished making your crowns, the dentist will then fit them permanently to your teeth.

Do crowns come loose?

While crowns are designed to last a lifetime, they can sometimes fall out. To prevent this, you should brush your teeth twice a day and see your dentist regularly. You may also need to avoid chewing on very hard foods such as ice and hard sweets.

Are crowns comfortable to wear?

Typically, crowns are very comfortable to wear. New crowns will certainly feel a bit weird at first, but as you become used to them, you’ll soon forget they’re even there.

Rarely though, some patients feel sensitivity or pain when they bite down. This is usually because the crown is too high, which means the crown hits the food first when the patient bites down. If this is the case, then a dentist can readjust the crown height with a simple procedure.

Is the procedure painful?

There’s no need to worry: the procedure is painless because dentists use a local anaesthetic.

Do crowns look like normal teeth?

Rest assured that crowns aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Dentists take many factors into account when making crowns, such as the colour and shape of your teeth. This will ensure that the crown blends in with your existing teeth.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns can last a lifetime if you take care of them properly. There’s nothing special to do – just maintain a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing.

Choose Headstone Lane Dental

We offer a wide range of services here at Headstone Lane Dental in Harrow, including dental crowns. Pop in for a consultation and one of our friendly dentists will help you discover if crowns are right for you.