Experienced Dental Crown Treatment for Barnet Patients

A crown is a custom covering that fits over the whole tooth. It is usually the best option when a filling would not protect the tooth. You should consider a crown if the tooth is severely decayed, cracked, or has a very large filling that weakens structure. Crowns also protect a tooth after a root canal, since the tooth can become brittle. They anchor a dental bridge or cover a dental implant. A Barnet patient arrived with a fractured molar from a large old filling. The crown held the tooth together and avoided extraction.

Your treatment takes place over two visits. The first visit lasts about an hour for preparation. We numb the area, reshape the tooth to create space for the crown, and take a digital scan with our 3D imaging. A temporary crown protects the tooth. The scan goes to our lab, where the permanent crown is made. About two weeks later, you return for a 30 minute fitting. We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color, then permanently bond the crown. The result is a restoration that looks and feels like a natural tooth.

After the final crown is fitted, the tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days, which is normal. This typically subsides within a week. Manage mild discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to let the cement set. Long term, treat the crown like a natural tooth with twice daily brushing and daily flossing. With good oral hygiene, a high quality crown lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. 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) for advice.

While a crown is often the best choice for a severely damaged tooth, there are alternatives for less severe cases. A large filling or an onlay/inlay, small crowns, might suit if enough healthy tooth remains. They are less invasive, removing less of the natural tooth. For cosmetic issues on front teeth, a porcelain veneer could work. Veneers cover only the front surface. If the tooth is too damaged to save, the alternative would be extraction followed by an implant or bridge. We discuss all suitable options with you during your consultation.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, here are important questions to ask, whether you visit us or another Barnet practice: What material do you recommend for my crown such as porcelain, zirconia, or E-Max and why? What is the total cost including the consultation, temporary crown, and final fitting? How long should the crown last with proper care? Do you use digital scans for impressions, which are more comfortable than traditional moulds? What happens if the crown chips or comes loose in the future?

As a private practice we use high quality materials and advanced technology to deliver strong results. The cost varies with material and case complexity. We provide a full, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after the initial consultation. We do not offer NHS services but accept several private plans including Denplan, Max Bupa, and Cigna. Please tell our team if you have coverage, and we will help with the paperwork. For a 45-year-old patient from High Barnet, we recently fitted a zirconia crown on a molar that had root canal treatment, protecting the tooth long term.