Crowns
A crown is a cover made for your own tooth, which fits over it like a cap.
- Visits
- Two, 2 to 3 weeks apart
- Last updated
What it is
A crown is for a tooth that is badly decayed or broken, has a large filling or a root canal treatment, or is worn, cracked or discoloured. If a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not enough to need a crown, an inlay or onlay may be enough.
At the first visit we prepare the tooth and take its shape. A laboratory makes the crown in 2 to 3 weeks, and until then you wear a temporary one. At the second visit we fix it permanently.
We choose the material together, depending on the tooth. All-ceramic looks most like natural enamel and is often used at the front. Porcelain bonded to metal is one of the most common, for front and back teeth. Zirconia is very durable. Metal wears least of all, but its colour shows. Some ceramic crowns can be made on the same day.
How it is done
We prepare the tooth
We reshape it slightly smaller, to make room for the crown.
Impressions or a digital scan
We take the shape of the tooth with an impression or a scan, so the crown is made to fit it.
A temporary crown
Until yours is ready, you wear a temporary one made of resin or acrylic. While you do, avoid hard and sticky food.
The laboratory makes it
The crown is made in a dental laboratory. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer.
We try it in and fix it
We take off the temporary crown and check the shape, colour and fit of the new one. When it is right and comfortable, we cement it permanently.
How long it lasts
A crown can last many years if you look after it. Cleveland Clinic gives 5 to 15 years, and more than 30 with proper care. It is not indestructible: it can crack, and if it does not fit well it can trap germs and let decay start underneath. That is why we check the fit. If you grind or clench your teeth, we will suggest a mouth guard.
What you will feel
If you feel pain while we prepare the tooth, raise your hand: we stop, and we can give you more anaesthetic. After each visit you can go straight back to work.
Afterwards
- For a couple of weeks the tooth may be sensitive, especially to hot and cold. The gum around it may be a little sore for a few days.
- Do not bite on hard things such as ice, hard nuts or popcorn, or eat sticky sweets: not with the temporary crown, and not with the permanent one.
- Brush for 2 minutes last thing at night and once more during the day, with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth once a day.
- Call us if the crown feels loose, you notice a bad taste, or you find a crack or a sharp edge.
Where the steps come from
The steps and the aftercare on this page follow these patient information pages.