Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
Why we might suggest a crown
A crown is a cap that fits over the tooth after we shape it. We may suggest one when a tooth is badly broken or weakened, or after root canal treatment, if what’s left of the tooth and your bite call for it. A crown doesn’t treat an infection inside the tooth, so that has to be dealt with first. Dr. Samreen will explain why a filling wouldn’t be enough.
Choosing the material
We check how much tooth is left, any cracks, the gum around it and the tooth it bites against. We offer PFM (porcelain fused to metal) and zirconia crowns. The right one depends on the design, how it needs to look and how much space there is, not on which material sounds strongest.
How it’s made and fitted
We shape the tooth, take measurements and may fit a temporary crown while the final one is made. When it’s ready, we check the edges, how it touches the teeth beside it and how you bite on it. If you’re unhappy with how it looks, tell us before it’s fixed in. Ask us how any later adjustments are arranged.
Looking after your crown
The tooth under the crown and the gum around it still need daily cleaning and regular checks. Tell us if food catches, the crown feels loose or it hurts to bite. Crowns can need repairing or replacing, and the tooth underneath can still decay or get gum disease. Keep up any follow-up visits we suggest.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about dental crowns
Do I need a crown after every root canal?
Not always. It depends on which tooth it is and how much of it is left, although many teeth do need the extra cover a crown gives.
Does a crown come with a post?
No. A post is a separate part that helps hold the tooth’s core in place. We only use one if your tooth needs it, and we’ll tell you if it does.
What if I don’t like how it looks?
Tell us at the fitting, before it’s fixed in. We’ll talk about shade and shape beforehand, but it’s much easier to change things at that stage.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: NHS: dental treatments. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.