Dental Crowns for Golders Green Patients | Restore Your Smile

A dental crown is a versatile restoration we recommend in several common situations. You’re likely a good candidate if a tooth is significantly weakened by decay or a large filling, since a crown provides the strength needed for normal chewing. It is also the standard procedure after root canal treatment to protect the now-brittle tooth from fracturing. Crowns are also used to restore teeth that are cracked, chipped, or severely worn down. For cosmetic purposes, a crown can cover a badly discoloured or misshapen tooth, creating a more uniform smile. For example, a patient from Golders Green recently needed a crown to protect a molar that had cracked, preventing the need for an extraction.

Getting a dental crown usually takes two appointments over about two to three weeks. The first visit, about 60 to 90 minutes, focuses on preparation. We numb the tooth and surrounding area, then reshape the tooth to make space for the crown. Next, we take a precise digital scan of the prepared tooth and send it to our lab to create your custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth in the meantime. About two weeks later, you return for the second appointment, which typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and colour of the new crown, and bond it securely in place. You leave with a fully restored tooth.

Full porcelain or ceramic crowns offer the best natural colour match and are a strong choice for front teeth. They are biocompatible and blend well with your smile. A patient from near Golders Green chose an all-ceramic crown to replace an old metal one on a front tooth, and the cosmetic result was transformative.

Zirconia crowns combine strength with good aesthetics, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. They are very durable and resistant to chipping. PFM crowns have a metal substructure for strength with a porcelain layer on top for appearance. They can look very strong, but a dark line can sometimes appear at the gumline over time, so they are more often used for back teeth that are less visible.

The anaesthetic will wear off in a few hours after fitting. You may notice mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days, which usually resolves on its own. Your bite might feel different at first but should settle quickly. To help the crown last, keep up with good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing daily, especially where the crown meets the gum. Avoid chewing very hard or sticky foods such as ice or hard sweets to prevent damage. With proper care, a crown can last 10 to 15 years or more. If you have persistent pain or the crown feels loose, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7).

The price of a private dental crown in the North London area usually ranges from £650 to £950 per tooth, depending on the material. Porcelain and zirconia crowns tend to be at the higher end of this range due to their aesthetics and lab costs. This fee covers tooth preparation, digital scans, the temporary crown, and the final fitting appointment. We are a private-only practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We do accept several private dental plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. A detailed cost breakdown is provided during your consultation with no hidden fees.

While a crown is often the best option, other choices may suit your situation. A large filling or an onlay or inlay can be used if there is still enough healthy tooth structure. These options are less invasive but may not provide the same long term strength. For purely cosmetic issues on front teeth, a porcelain veneer might be a better choice because it requires less tooth preparation. If the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge may be needed. We will discuss all suitable options with you.

To choose what fits you best in the Golders Green or North London area, ask these questions. What material do you recommend for my tooth and why? How long can I expect the crown to last? What is the total cost, and does it include all appointments and a temporary crown? Do you use digital scans or traditional impressions? Can I see before and after photos of similar cases you have treated? What is your policy if the crown chips or comes loose in the first years? Also ask about experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.