Dental Crowns

Treatments

Dental Crowns

What is a crown?

A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.

Crowns are used for several reasons:

as a protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
as a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
to correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration.

What are crowns made from?

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.

How are crowns made?

Firstly, a thorough clinical examination is conducted with radiographs, by the dentist. The suitability for crowns is assessed and any preparatory work is carried out. Your dentist will also be able to advise on material choices, treatment sequence and any other concerns you may have.

At the second appointment, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. This involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. This trimming of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.

At the third appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth surfaces cleaned. The completed crown is tried on the tooth for fit, harmony with the bite, and appearance. Finally, the crownis cemented onto the prepared tooth with dental cement.

How long do crowns last and how do I care for them?

Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.

Ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.

Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment.

Nork Way Dental Treatments

Dental bridges

Dental Bridges

Bridges are usually made of a precious metal. If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base for strength.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.

Dentures

A denture is a removable prosthesis used to replace missing teeth.

Inlay gold

Inlay Gold

Gold inlays are restorations placed usually on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

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Inlay Porcelain

Porcelain (tooth coloured) inlays and onlays are restorations placed usually on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Root Canal Treatment

The crown of the tooth is made up of the hard, white, enamel layer and a thicker dentine layer. Both these hard layers protect the innermost soft tissues of the tooth called the pulp.

Fissure Sealants

Deep pits and grooves can be found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Such pits and grooves are termed ‘fissures’ and are usually so narrow that toothbrush bristles and streams of water are not able to clean them effectively.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom–made shells crafted of tooth–coloured materials designed to cover the front side of teeth to improve the overall appearance of teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is a process where the tooth discolouration is 'whitened' to a lighter shade. It removes the staining agent through chemical means.

Facial Aesthetics

We offer a range of anti-ageing and facial aesthetics treatments including dermal fillers such as Restylane and Hydrafil which work very well in conjunction with Botox (Vistabel); most of our practitioners at Nork Way Dental Practice perform these treatments. Please speak to one of our team for more information.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are one way of replacing missing teeth.

Composite Fillings

Most people have fillings of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural looking alternative - the composite or tooth-coloured filling.

Intravenous sedation

IV sedation is when a sedative is injected directly into a vein. If you are nervous about having dental treatment or you are having a procedure which may cause discomfort, intravenous (IV) sedation is an effective and safe treatment.