Dental Crowns at Edinburgh Dental
- Restoring Strength, Function, and Beauty to Damaged Teeth
- When a Filling Isn't Enough
Some teeth need more help than a simple filling can provide. When a tooth is severely damaged by decay, cracked from injury, or weakened after root canal treatment, a crown offers the comprehensive protection and restoration it needs.
Think of a crown as a protective cap that covers your entire tooth, restoring its original size, shape, and strength while giving you back the confidence to bite, chew, and smile normally.
When You Might Need a Crown
After Root Canal Treatment
Root canal-treated teeth become more brittle over time and need a crown for long-term protection and strength.
Large Cavities or Failed Fillings
When a tooth has extensive decay or a large filling that’s failing, a crown provides better long-term protection than replacing the filling.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Crowns can hold cracked teeth together and prevent further damage, often saving teeth that might otherwise need extraction.
Severe Wear or Erosion
Teeth worn down by grinding, acid erosion, or age can be restored to their proper height and function with crowns.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Crowns can completely transform severely discoloured, misshapen, or poorly positioned teeth that can’t be improved with other treatments.
Implant Restoration
Dental implants are topped with crowns to create a complete tooth replacement that looks and functions naturally.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers a damaged tooth above the gum line. Unlike fillings that simply fill cavities, crowns encase the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing maximum protection and strength.
Modern crowns are crafted to look indistinguishable from your natural teeth, matching not just the colour but also the translucency, texture, and shape that make each tooth unique.
Types of Crowns: Choosing What’s Right for You
All-Ceramic Crowns
Best for: Front teeth, where appearance is paramount
Advantages
- Most natural-looking option
- No metal allergies or sensitivities
- Excellent colour matching
- No dark lines at the gum line
Considerations
- Slightly less durable than metal-backed options
- May require more tooth preparation
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Best for: Back teeth, where strength is crucial
Advantages
- Excellent durability and strength
- Good aesthetics for most situations
- Time-tested longevity
- Lower cost than all-ceramic options
Considerations
- Possible dark line at gum margin over time
- A metal core may cause sensitivity to temperature
Zirconia Crowns
Best for: Patients wanting maximum strength with excellent aesthetics
Advantages
- Exceptional strength and durability
- Excellent biocompatibility
- Natural appearance
- Suitable for both front and back teeth
Considerations
- Higher cost than traditional options
- Newer technology with less long-term data
Your Crown Treatment Journey
Initial Consultation and Planning
- Comprehensive examination to assess the tooth’s condition
- X-rays to evaluate the root and surrounding bone
- Discussion of treatment options and crown materials
- Digital impressions or detailed photographs for planning
First Appointment
Tooth Preparation
- Local anaesthetic ensures complete comfort
- Careful removal of damaged tooth structure
- Precise shaping to create the ideal foundation for your crown
Impression and Temporary Crown
- Detailed impressions captured for crown fabrication
- Custom temporary crown placed to protect the prepared tooth
- Colour matching and final specifications confirmed
Time Between Visits
- Temporary crown allows normal eating and speaking
- Crown fabricated in our trusted laboratory (typically 1-2 weeks)
- Any sensitivity is usually minimal and resolves quickly
Second Appointment
Try-In and Adjustment
- Temporary crown removal and area cleaning
- New crown tried in for fit, colour, and bite
- Minor adjustments were made if needed for a perfect fit
Final Placement
- Crown is permanently bonded using advanced dental cement
- Bite checked and adjusted for optimal comfort
- Final polishing and care instructions provided
After Placement
Immediate Adjustment Period (First Few Days)
- Slight sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal
- Bite may feel slightly different until you adjust
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods initially
- Any discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
- Brush and floss normally (flossing technique may need slight adjustment)
- Regular dental check-ups to monitor crown condition
- Avoid using teeth as tools or chewing extremely hard objects
- Professional cleanings help maintain the crown’s appearance and health
Crowns vs. Other Treatment Options
Crowns vs. Large Fillings
Crowns are better when:
- More than 50% of the tooth structure is damaged
- The tooth has multiple failing fillings
- Fracture risk is high
- Long-term strength is a priority
Crowns vs. Veneers
Crowns are needed when:
- Tooth structure is significantly compromised
- Root canal treatment has been performed
- Bite correction is necessary
- Maximum strength is required
Crowns vs. Extraction and Replacement
Crowns are preferable when:
- Sufficient healthy tooth structure remains
- Root and supporting structures are sound
- Preserving natural tooth function is possible
Crown Longevity: Making Your Investment Last
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-20 years or more. Factors affecting longevity include:
What Helps Crowns Last Longer
- Excellent oral hygiene
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Avoiding destructive habits (ice chewing, nail biting)
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Prompt attention to any concerns
Signs Your Crown May Need Attention
- Sensitivity that develops or worsens over time
- Visible damage or rough edges
- The crown feels loose or moves
- Gum irritation around the crown margin
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the crown process take?
Typically two appointments over 2-3 weeks. The first appointment involves preparation and temporary crown placement (1-2 hours), and the second involves final crown placement (30-60 minutes).
Will getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Some mild sensitivity afterwards is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
How much tooth structure is removed?
We remove only what’s necessary – typically 1-2mm from all surfaces. The goal is to create space for the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Can I eat normally with a temporary crown?
Yes, but avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that might dislodge the temporary crown. Chew on the opposite side when possible.
Will my crown look natural?
Modern crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. We take great care in colour matching and shaping to ensure your crown blends seamlessly with your smile.
What if my crown comes off?
While rare, if a crown becomes loose or comes off, contact us immediately. Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side until we can see you.
Can crowns get cavities?
The crown itself cannot decay, but the underlying tooth structure at the margin can. This is why good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are essential.
How do I clean around my crown?
Clean crowned teeth just like natural teeth with brushing and flossing. We’ll show you any special techniques needed for optimal cleaning around your crown.
What if I’m not happy with my crown?
We take great care to ensure you’re satisfied with your crown’s fit, function, and appearance before final placement. Any concerns should be addressed immediately so we can make necessary adjustments.
Can I whiten teeth with crowns?
Crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments. If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s best to do this before crown placement so we can match the crown to your desired shade.
Special Considerations
Crowns for Children
Sometimes children need crowns for severely decayed baby teeth. Stainless steel crowns are typically used and naturally fall out when the adult tooth emerges.
Crowns and Orthodontics
If you’re planning orthodontic treatment, the timing of crown placement may need coordination to ensure optimal results.
Crowns and Teeth Grinding
Patients who grind their teeth often need crowns made from more durable materials and should wear nightguards to protect their investment.
Investment in Your Oral Health
A dental crown represents a significant investment in your oral health and quality of life. When you consider the years of comfortable function, improved appearance, and protection of your natural tooth, most patients find crowns to be excellent value for long-term oral health.
We offer flexible payment options to help make crown treatment accessible when you need it most.
Protecting Your Smile’s Foundation
Your teeth work as a team – when one is compromised, others can be affected. A crown doesn’t just restore the damaged tooth; it helps maintain proper bite function and prevents problems with adjacent teeth.
By addressing damaged teeth promptly with crown restoration, you’re investing in the long-term health and stability of your entire smile.
A crown isn’t just about fixing a problem – it’s about giving you back the confidence to bite into life without hesitation.
Need help with finance? Find out how you can use our payment plans to spread the cost of your treatment.