Porcelain Crowns in North London: Restore Your Smile

A dental crown is a custom cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. You might need one if a tooth is severely decayed and cannot support a large filling, or if it is cracked or weakened. It is also the standard way to protect a tooth after root canal treatment, since the procedure can make the tooth more brittle. Many of our North London patients choose porcelain crowns for cosmetic reasons, such as to cover a badly discoloured or misshapen tooth, creating a more uniform and attractive smile. Essentially, if a tooth needs its strength, shape, and appearance restored, a crown is often the best long-term option.

The crown procedure takes place over two appointments. The first appointment, about 60 to 90 minutes, prepares the tooth. After numbing the area with local anaesthetic for a painless experience, we shape the tooth to make space for the crown. We take digital scans or impressions, which go to a dental laboratory to craft your crown. You leave with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. About two weeks later, you return for a shorter 30 to 45 minute visit to remove the temporary crown and bond the final crown into place, checking the fit and your bite.

For example, a Hampstead patient with a large old amalgam filling in a molar that fractured gains the strength and natural look of a porcelain crown. Another Muswell Hill case involved a chipped front tooth; we used a high translucency crown to match the colour and character of the surrounding teeth so the restoration is nearly invisible.

You may experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days after the crown is fitted, but this usually settles quickly. Your new crown requires no special care beyond excellent oral hygiene. Brush twice daily and floss daily, paying close attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line to prevent plaque buildup. With proper care, a high-quality porcelain crown lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. Avoid chewing on extremely hard things like ice or boiled sweets to prevent fracturing the porcelain. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if the crown feels loose, high when you bite, or if you experience persistent pain. For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

While crowns are highly effective, they are not the only option. For less extensive damage, an onlay or inlay, sometimes called a partial crown, might suit the tooth. These restorations cover only the damaged portion, preserving more of the natural structure. For minor chips or cosmetic flaws, composite bonding offers a quicker and more conservative alternative, though it is not as durable. If a tooth is too damaged to be saved, an extraction followed by a replacement like a dental implant or a bridge is needed. We discuss these options to find the solution that best fits your dental health, goals, and budget.

To make an informed choice for your dental health whether you come to us or another North London practice, consider asking these questions: What specific type of ceramic or porcelain do you recommend for my tooth and why? Does the quoted price include the consultation, temporary crown, and final fitting, or are there separate fees? Which dental laboratory do you work with to make the crowns? What kind of guarantee or warranty do you offer on dental crowns? If the tooth needs a root canal first, can that be done here, and what is the combined cost and timeline? Do you accept my dental insurance for this treatment such as Denplan or Cigna?

As a private dental practice, we do not offer NHS treatment for porcelain crowns. The cost of a private crown reflects the high-quality materials, precision craftsmanship from the dental laboratory, and the clinical time required. We provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs clearly outlined before we begin, ensuring there are no hidden fees. Our practice accepts several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of your treatment cost. Please contact our reception team to discuss your specific plan and payment options.