Dental Crowns Kingston upon Thames

Dental Crowns Kingston upon Thames

Dental crowns in Kingston upon Thames can help restore the strength, function and appearance of a tooth that is cracked, significantly damaged or heavily filled. At Thames Street Dental, we assess your tooth and discuss whether a crown—or a more conservative alternative—is appropriate before recommending treatment.

Our practice is located at 28 Thames Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1PE. The current guide fee for crowns and bridges is from £800 per unit; you will receive a personalised estimate before agreeing to treatment.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, sometimes called a “cap”, is a custom-made restoration that fits over the visible part of a prepared tooth. It can help restore shape and chewing function when there is not enough sound tooth structure for a filling or other less extensive restoration.

Crowns may be made from ceramic, porcelain-based materials or metal alloys. Your dentist will explain which options are suitable for the tooth, taking account of its position, your bite, appearance, durability and the condition of the remaining tooth structure.

If you are concerned about a broken tooth, a large existing filling or a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, an examination can help establish whether a crown is needed and what other options may be available.

Related pages include broken teeth, root canal treatment and dental bridges.

Benefits of a Dental Crown

  • Restore function: A crown can rebuild the shape of a damaged tooth so that it can be used more comfortably for biting and chewing.
  • Support a heavily restored tooth: Where a large filling leaves limited natural tooth structure, a crown may provide a more suitable restoration.
  • Protect vulnerable tooth structure: A crown may help reduce the risk of further fracture in some cracked, weakened or root-treated teeth. It does not make the tooth immune to decay or other problems.
  • Improve appearance: Tooth-coloured crowns can be designed to blend with neighbouring teeth when appearance is an important consideration.
  • Choose a suitable material: Your dentist will discuss the advantages and limitations of ceramic, porcelain-based or metal restorations for your situation.
  • Help support a bridge: Crowns may be used as part of a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth where this is clinically appropriate.

When Might Your Dentist Recommend a Crown?

After examining your tooth, your dentist may recommend a crown when:

  • There is a large existing filling and the remaining tooth structure is weakened.
  • A tooth has cracked or broken and an ordinary filling is unlikely to provide adequate restoration.
  • A root-treated tooth would benefit from additional protection, depending on its position and the amount of tooth remaining.
  • The appearance or shape of a tooth could be improved with a crown after discussing other suitable options.
  • A crown is needed to support a dental bridge.

A crown is not always necessary. Depending on the tooth, your dentist may discuss alternatives such as a direct filling, an inlay or an onlay. The aim is to preserve healthy tooth structure wherever practical.

What Happens During Dental Crown Treatment?

The process can vary according to the condition of your tooth and the type of crown. Many crowns involve the following stages:

  1. Examination and options: Your dentist examines the tooth and may recommend X-rays to assess its condition. You can discuss the likely benefits, limitations and alternatives.
  2. Tooth preparation: If a crown is chosen, the tooth may need shaping and any decay or unsuitable restoration is addressed. Local anaesthetic is normally used where needed.
  3. Impression or scan: An impression or digital scan records the tooth and your bite. A temporary crown may be fitted while a laboratory-made crown is prepared.
  4. Crown fitting: Your dentist checks the fit, appearance and bite before fixing the crown in place.
  5. Aftercare: You will receive advice on cleaning around the crown and on what to do if it feels uncomfortable or becomes loose.

Your dentist will explain the number of appointments, likely treatment time and expected costs following your assessment.

Considering a Dental Crown in Kingston?

Arrange an assessment at Thames Street Dental to discuss your options. Our fees for dental crowns and bridges start from £800 per unit – we will explain your individual treatment estimate before proceeding.

Crown Treatment Fees Call Us Now : 020 8546 6546

Dental Crown FAQs

A dental crown can last for many years, but there is no guaranteed lifespan. Longevity varies with the crown material, tooth position, bite, oral hygiene and habits such as grinding.

Proper care and maintenance also play a crucial role in the longevity of dental crowns. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly not only help to keep your natural teeth healthy but also the crown itself. It’s important to avoid certain hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage the crown or cause it to come loose. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure that your crown is still in good shape and functioning as it should.

Regular dental examinations help identify wear, loose crowns and problems around the edges of the restoration. Your dentist can advise on any maintenance or replacement that may eventually be needed.

Care for a crown much as you would a natural tooth. The underlying tooth and the area where the crown meets the gum can still develop problems if plaque is not removed. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain fused to metal, and ceramics, and each one requires slightly different care. Here are some general tips to help take care of your dental crown:

  1. Practice good oral hygiene: Just like with your natural teeth, it’s important to brush your crown twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps to remove any plaque buildup that can lead to decay around the crown.
  2. Avoid hard or sticky foods: While your dental crown is strong, it’s important to avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or opening packages with your teeth. Sticky or chewy foods like caramel and taffy can also cause damage or dislodge the crown.
  3. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the health of your crown and make any necessary adjustments. Your dentist can also clean the crown to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
  4. Consider a nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect your crown from damage.
  5. Watch for signs of trouble: If you experience sensitivity, pain, or swelling around your crown, it’s important to see your dentist. These can be signs of a problem with the tooth underneath the crown.

Local anaesthetic is usually used when a tooth is prepared for a crown, helping to keep the procedure comfortable. It is possible to feel pressure or vibration during treatment, but it is not usually painful thanks to the use of local anaesthetic. However, some people may experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.

During the dental crown procedure, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means that you shouldn’t feel any pain while the dentist is preparing the tooth and fitting the crown. In some cases, your dentist may also offer sedation options if you feel anxious or nervous about the procedure.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Some people may also experience a little discomfort in their jaw as they adjust to the new shape of their tooth.

It’s important to note that in rare cases, dental crown placement can result in complications like nerve damage or an allergic reaction to the materials used in the crown. However, these complications are very rare and your dentist will take steps to minimise the risk.

If you’re concerned about whether or not getting a dental crown will be painful, our dentist can explain the procedure in more detail and answer any questions you may have. We can also work with you to manage any discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.

Some sensitivity or tenderness may follow, particularly while a temporary restoration is in place. If discomfort is severe, persists or you notice swelling, contact your dentist for advice. Your dentist will explain the relevant risks and what to expect for your individual tooth.

Crowns and bridges from Thames Street Dental cost from £800 per unit. The actual fee depends on the tooth, the restoration and any other treatment required. Your dentist will provide an personalised estimate following assessment.

A filling may be suitable when enough strong tooth structure remains. A crown, inlay or onlay may be considered when more extensive restoration is needed. The most suitable option can only be decided after your dentist has examined the tooth.

S

Sukhwant S. Sidhu

5 Star

“Great professional, friendly service. I have been using this surgery for a while and the experience has always been exceptional. Recently I was accommodated for a repair at short notice. The treatments are always exceptional and at very competitive prices. Highly recommended.”

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