Experienced Crown & Bridge Treatment in Finchley

A dental crown suits a tooth that is too damaged for a simple filling. You might need a crown if you have a large cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, or have just had root canal treatment, which weakens the tooth. Crowns shield the tooth, absorbing bite pressure and preventing further damage. A dental bridge is used when you have one or more missing teeth in a row. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, affect your bite, and give an aged look. A bridge fills this gap with a false tooth or teeth and is anchored to the adjacent natural teeth, restoring your smile and your ability to chew.

The process for both crowns and bridges usually requires two appointments over two to three weeks. The first visit lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and prepares the tooth. Under local anaesthetic, we reshape the tooth to make space for the restoration. Then we take a precise digital scan of your teeth instead of messy impressions. The scan goes to the lab where your crown or bridge is made. You leave with a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth. About two weeks later you return for a 30 minute fitting. We remove the temporary, check the fit and colour, and bond the final restoration in place.

After the final fitting you may have mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. Your bite might feel different at first, but you will adjust quickly. Good oral hygiene supports the life of your restoration. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily, focusing on the area around the crown or bridge. With proper care, crowns and bridges last about 10 to 15 years or longer. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have severe pain, if the restoration feels loose, or if your bite feels uneven after a week.

For a damaged tooth, a large filling or an onlay (partial crown) might work if the damage does not require a full crown. For a missing tooth, the main options to replace it are a dental implant or a removable partial denture. A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts like an artificial tooth root. It is a longer lasting solution that does not require altering adjacent teeth but involves a longer treatment time and higher upfront cost. A removable partial denture is less expensive but not as stable or comfortable as a fixed bridge or implant. We discuss all suitable options with you during your consultation.

As a private practice, we provide clear, itemised treatment plans with no hidden fees. The cost of a crown or bridge depends on the materials used and the complexity of the case. While we do not offer NHS treatment, private dental insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna is accepted. For example, a recent patient from North Finchley needed a porcelain crown on a molar after a large filling failed. The whole process, including the two appointments and the custom-made crown, was completed within three weeks. Another patient from East Finchley chose a three unit bridge to replace a missing premolar, restoring their smile and chewing function. We provide a detailed quote during your initial assessment.

To make an informed choice for your dental health, whether you visit our Finchley practice or another, here are some key questions to ask: What material do you recommend for my crown or bridge and why? How long can I expect the restoration to last with proper care? What is the total cost, and does it include both appointments and the final restoration? Can I see before and after photos of similar cases you've handled? What are the specific cleaning instructions for my new crown or bridge? Do you use digital scans or traditional putty impressions? What happens if the crown or bridge chips or comes loose in the future?