Expert Dental Crowns in North London | Perfect-Fit Restorations

A crown is often the best option when a simple filling isn't enough to protect a tooth. You should consider a crown if a tooth is significantly weakened by decay or a very large filling, especially if signs of fracture exist. It is also the standard treatment after a root canal to protect the brittle tooth structure from breaking. Patients choose crowns to correct cosmetic issues such as a severely discoloured or misshapen tooth. A recent patient from Highgate came to us with a molar that had a large old amalgam filling. The tooth showed a fracture line, and a custom porcelain crown held the tooth together and prevented splitting, saving it from extraction.

A crown requires two visits. Your first appointment, about 60 to 90 minutes, prepares the tooth. After numbing the area with local anaesthetic, we reshape the tooth to make space for the crown. We then use a digital scanner to take a precise 3D impression, no messy putty. This scan designs your permanent crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final crown is made. Your second visit, about two weeks later, is shorter, typically 30 to 45 minutes. We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and colour of the final crown, and then bond it securely in place, leaving you with a fully restored tooth.

After the first appointment, your tooth may be sensitive for a few days while the temporary crown is in place. Avoid very hard or sticky foods to prevent dislodging it. Once the permanent crown is fitted, sensitivity tends to fade quickly. Treat your crown like a natural tooth with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Modern crowns are durable, with success rates over 90 percent at ten years, but avoid chewing extremely hard items like ice or pens. Regular check-ups at our Finchley practice help us monitor the crown and surrounding gum health for years. If you notice persistent pain or looseness, call us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) for an assessment. For emergencies outside these hours, visit A&E or call 111.

While crowns are highly effective, they may not always be the only choice. For less extensive damage, a large filling or an onlay (a partial crown) might be suitable. These options preserve more of your natural tooth structure but may not offer the same level of protection for a severely weakened tooth. In cases where a tooth is too damaged to be saved, the main alternative is extraction followed by a replacement like a dental implant or a bridge. A dental implant is a permanent solution but is more invasive and costly. We'll always discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your specific clinical situation and budget during your consultation.

To make an informed choice, ask these questions whether you meet us or another practice in North London: What material do you recommend for my crown and why; what is the total cost including the temporary crown and all fittings; do you use digital scanning or traditional impressions; how long does the crown last with proper care; what happens if the tooth under the crown develops a problem later; please show me before and after photos of similar cases you've handled.

The cost for a private dental crown in North London typically ranges from £750 to £1,200 per tooth, depending on the material used. Our fee includes the entire process: tooth preparation, the temporary crown, digital scans, the final permanent crown, and all fitting appointments. There are no hidden fees. We are a private-only practice and do not offer NHS services. However, we do accept several major dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. A patient from Muswell Hill recently used their Denplan coverage to partially fund an aesthetic E-max crown on a cracked front tooth, making the high-quality restoration more accessible. We can provide a detailed cost breakdown during your initial consultation.