Dental crowns to restore the shape and strength of your tooth
A crown, sometimes known as a ‘cap’ is a protective cover fitted over the existing structure of a broken or damaged tooth to restore its function and appearance.
What exactly is a crown?
Crowns are part of a treatment to restore teeth that have:
- Undergone root canal treatment
- Severe tooth surface loss
- Poor aesthetic appearance
- To replace existing crowns with poor appearance
- To protect heavily restored teeth from breaking
- To restore broken down teeth and prevent further breakage
The dental crown treatment process
Before we begin your treatment we’ll review your options, as we offer a full range of cosmetic dental crowns at Floss and Smile. For example, back teeth, you might choose a durable, less expensive dental composite crown. For front teeth, you might prefer a natural-looking, tooth-coloured crown.
Preparation time will vary depending on the condition of the damaged tooth. The tooth will be reshaped, to ensure that once the crown is fitted, it remains the same size and shape as the natural teeth. It may also need to be built up with a filling first. A local anaesthetic is usually given to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the treatment.
After preparation, an impression of the tooth and nearby teeth is made with a soft material. This is sent to a dental technician to create a crown that fits perfectly and matches the colour of your natural teeth.
Our smile transformations
Dental crowns at Floss and Smile
Why might I need a dental crown?
You might need a dental crown if you have a weak tooth that needs protection from breaking, a cracked or worn-down tooth, a tooth with a large filling and not much tooth remaining, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment, or a discoloured or misshapen tooth for cosmetic reasons.
How should I care for my dental crown after the procedure?
After getting a dental crown, proper care is essential to maintain its longevity. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, are important to prevent decay around the crown and gum disease. It's advisable to avoid hard foods, as chewing hard foods, ice, or using your teeth as tools can damage the crown. Regular dental visits to Floss and Smile are crucial to monitor the crown and surrounding teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or longer, depending on the material used and how well they are cared for. Good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits like teeth grinding and biting fingernails can extend the lifespan of a dental crown. Regular dental check-ups with us here in Dunstable will also help ensure the crown remains in good condition.
Why might I need a dental crown?
You might need a dental crown if you have a weak tooth that needs protection from breaking, a cracked or worn-down tooth, a tooth with a large filling and not much tooth remaining, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment, or a discoloured or misshapen tooth for cosmetic reasons.
How should I care for my dental crown after the procedure?
After getting a dental crown, proper care is essential to maintain its longevity. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, are important to prevent decay around the crown and gum disease. It's advisable to avoid hard foods, as chewing hard foods, ice, or using your teeth as tools can damage the crown. Regular dental visits to Floss and Smile are crucial to monitor the crown and surrounding teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years or longer, depending on the material used and how well they are cared for. Good oral hygiene practices and avoiding habits like teeth grinding and biting fingernails can extend the lifespan of a dental crown. Regular dental check-ups with us here in Dunstable will also help ensure the crown remains in good condition.
I’m interested in getting dental implants, what should I do?
The first thing to do is to book a consultation with us here at Floss and Smile! At your consultation we will answer any questions you may have. Based on a comprehensive examination we will plan the best treatment for you and walk you through all the costs involved. Our patients get extra reassurance by having access to a text mobile 24/7 during and after the treatment.
I have a loose denture. Can dental implants help me?
Yes they can. Dental implants are an excellent solution for the millions of people who have loose dentures and offer many advantages over conventional dentures. Conventional dentures are often uncomfortable and, due to the movement, limit a person’s ability to speak and eat normally. Because of this, many people feel self-conscious wearing their dentures.The dentures can be secured into place by locking on to 2-4 implants.Implants are commonly used to replace individual missing teeth, but they can also be used to secure or stabilise loose dentures in either the upper or lower jaws. Instead of having a crown (cap) fitted to the top of the implant a precision-made attachment is fitted which inserts into the underneath surface of the denture, securing the denture to the implant. In the lower jaw this can be achieved with as few as two implants.If there is sufficient bone available and you are willing to have more implants inserted then you can often be fitted with a completely solid set of teeth attached to the dental implants (a full-arch bridge). This set of teeth would stay in permanently and would look and feel very similar to a natural set of teeth.
Is dental implant placement painful?
Dental implants are typically placed under local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. If you are very nervous or suffer from dental phobia we can offer you sedation. Our whole team has trained extensively in caring for nervous patients, and over the years, we've successfully treated many people with high levels of anxiety. We've not only transformed their smiles and improved their oral health but also significantly reduced their dental treatment-related anxiety.
How long does it take to place dental implants?
Your dental implants may be placed in as little as 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants being placed. Your dentist will be able to give you a clear idea of the treatment time during your first appointment with us.
When will I receive my new teeth?
Treatment time varies for each patient. Typically, you will have some type of temporary teeth until your implants bond to the bone. We can provide a time estimate based on your treatment needs, during your initial consultation here in Dunstable.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Home care for your implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long term health and success.
How long can dental implants last?
Implants can last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.
How does the long term value of dental implants compare to other options?
Dental implants are low maintenance and provide stability and confidence in your smile. Therefore, the long term value of dental implants far exceeds conventional treatment options.
Are dental implants safe?
Yes, dental implants are considered a safe and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. At Floss and Smile, our dentists have a special interest in dental implant surgery and have restored hundreds of smiles over the years, using gold standard implants.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The journey to receiving dental implants varies based on personal factors like oral health, potential need for procedures such as bone grafting, and the body's healing response. Typically, from the first consultation to achieving a complete restoration, the process spans several months. This period allows for the implant to fuse securely with the jawbone (known as osseointegration), a critical phase lasting approximately 3 to 6 months.
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