Cap it with a crown & get smiling again!
Crowns (or ‘caps’) are an affordable and easy way to complete your smile. They are used to restore and protect a damaged tooth by completely surrounding it. Crowns can help to improve your overall oral health and enhance your full smile.
WHAT ARE CROWNS?
Crowns are a full-coverage restoration used to replace missing tooth structure and recreate the aesthetics of a healthy natural tooth. A crown is usually made of porcelain or ceramic material; however, your dentist may recommend a gold crown for posterior teeth where enhanced strength and durability may be required due to the additional load placed on these teeth.
There are a few reasons that you may need a crown:
- To rebuild or strengthen a weak or heavily restored tooth
- To change the appearance of your tooth
- Following a root treatment to protect the tooth
- After trauma or fracture of a tooth.
Your dentist will discuss all dental treatment options available to you, as each case is unique as everyone’s teeth are different.
NEED TO KNOW
APPOINTMENTS
- At least 3 appointments
- At the consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and talk to you about the procedure.
- The next appointment will be for the preparation of the tooth. A final set of impressions will be taken to be sent to the dental lab, the tooth shade-matched and a temporary crown placed.
- At the final appointment, the fit and aesthetics of the crown will be checked and the dentist will check that you are happy with the appearance before cementing it in place.
- Further appointments may be needed to review the crown and it will be checked at your regular dental check-ups.
HOW LONG IT TAKES?
The preparation appointment will last approximately 60 mins and the fitting appointment will usually last for 30-45 mins. However, this depends on the complexity of the case.
YOU MAY BE ASKED ABOUT
- Your dental and medical history
- Any pain or concerns you may have.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
No special preparation needed
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
- Avoid drinking hot liquids and hard foods for the first few hours
- Your dentist will recommend the best post-procedure care to avoid any problems
FOR TEMPORARY CROWNS
- You can continue to eat and brush your teeth as normal
- Don’t get hard, chewy or sticky foods
- Try chewing most food on the opposite side of the mouth
- Avoid flossing next to the temporary crown
QUICK TIP
Maintaining good oral hygiene will extend the life of your crowns. We recommend flossing daily, brushing twice daily and regularly visiting your dentist at Confident Smile and hygienist.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Learn more about some possible treatment options with your local Shepperton Dental practice. We recommend you book an appointment with a dentist to further discuss, so they can provide expert advice on getting your mouth on track.