Porcelain Dental Crowns in North London

A porcelain crown is often the best option when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but does not need extraction. Consider this treatment if a tooth is cracked, severely worn from grinding, or has a large failing filling. It is also the standard choice to protect a tooth after root canal treatment, since the tooth can become brittle. Many patients in North London choose crowns for cosmetic reasons, such as covering a misshapen or permanently stained tooth that does not respond to whitening, creating a more uniform and confident smile.

Getting a crown happens over two appointments at our Finchley practice. First, in a 60 to 90 minute visit, we prepare the tooth, numb the area, and reshape it to make space for the crown. We take an impression that the lab uses to craft your crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. About two weeks later you return for a shorter 30 to 45 minute visit. We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and colour, and permanently bond the crown. With proper care, these crowns last 10 to 15 years.

A patient from Muswell Hill arrived with a large crack in an upper molar that caused sensitivity. A filling was not enough to save the tooth. We prepared the tooth for a crown and took digital scans to ensure a precise match. Two weeks later we fitted the custom porcelain crown. The result was a fully functional tooth that looked natural and eliminated the sensitivity. The patient can now chew comfortably without fear of further fracture.

A 45-year-old client from Golders Green was unhappy with a discoloured front tooth that had been root-filled years earlier. Whitening did not help. We recommended an all porcelain crown to match the other teeth. After the two visit process, the crown looked indistinguishable from natural teeth, transforming the appearance of the smile. She reported a big boost in confidence, especially in photos.

For the first 24 to 48 hours after the final crown fitting, you may experience some mild sensitivity to hot and cold, which usually subsides quickly. Your bite might feel slightly different, but you should adapt within a few days. Avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods on the new crown for the first day to let the dental cement set fully. Long term care is simple: treat the crown like a natural tooth with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Porcelain is strong but may chip, so avoid biting on ice or pen caps. If you have persistent pain or the crown feels loose, call our practice during office hours for an assessment.

While crowns work well, other options may suit different cases. For less damage, an onlay or inlay (sometimes called a partial crown) can restore only the damaged portion, preserving more of the natural structure. For purely cosmetic issues on front teeth, porcelain veneers are a less invasive option because they cover only the front surface. If a tooth is too damaged to save, the alternative would be extraction followed by a dental implant or a bridge. We will discuss the pros and cons of each option for your specific case during your consultation.

To decide if a porcelain crown is right for you, ask the dentist a few key questions. Inquire about the material they recommend and why front porcelain, zirconia, or metal fused. Ask about the expected lifespan with proper care. Clarify the full cost, including the consultation, temporary crown, and final fitting. Finally ask what happens if the crown chips or becomes loose in the future and how repairs or replacements would work.

The cost of a private porcelain crown in the London area typically ranges from £600 to £1,200. Our fees reflect the quality of the materials and the precision of the laboratory work. This price includes the tooth preparation, temporary crown, digital scans or impressions, and the final fitting appointment. There are no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS crowns, but we accept several private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to discuss your coverage and we can provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate during your initial consultation.