Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made covers that fit over your existing teeth. They can be crafted from various materials including porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. These crowns serve to reinforce and protect a damaged tooth from further decay or fractures, as well as for aesthetic enhancement. It is often the only way to save badly damaged teeth and is recommended for most root canal treated teeth. Your tooth may need to be built up to grip a crown using a large filling or a post and core restoration.
What Happens During Dental Crown Treatment?
When you opt for dental crowns, the process begins with shaping your tooth to receive the crown. This is done under local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to our high-quality dental laboratory, where the final crown is custom-fabricated. While waiting for your permanent crown, a temporary crown will be fitted over your tooth to protect it. We will undergo all the necessary checks to ensure that the crown is in perfect condition for your mouth, and then fit it.
Why Are Dental Crowns Needed?
There are instances where a tooth is too badly damaged or decayed to be restored with a simple filling. In such cases, a crown provides a protective barrier against bacteria and further decay while restoring the tooth’s strength and function. Crowns are also frequently recommended for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
Why Choose Northumberland Dental Care for Dental Crowns?
Our highly skilled Prosthodontist, Dr Maurice Fitzgerald is known for his careful planning, preparation and cooperation with a high quality dental laboratory. He will ensure that the final fit and aesthetics of your crown exceeds your expectations.
Post-Treatment Care
After the crown is fitted, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to maintain proper oral hygiene. It’s essential to floss regularly to preserve gum health.
Over time, natural teeth may darken or change in colour due to ageing. Please be rest assured that Dr Maurice Fitzgerald will work alongside you and our laboratory to shade match your new crown. You may even be asked to visit the laboratory to allow shade matching of your new crown to your existing teeth. Depending on your case, bleaching may be completed before new crowns are constructed.
