Breaking a tooth can be a devastating experience, especially if it is a tooth located at the front of your mouth. Cracking or chipping, as well as tooth decay, can also cause the crown of the tooth to be lost. It is not always necessary to remove the entire tooth and dental crowns Hammersmith have been used in this type of repair for decades with impressive results.

When are dental crowns used?

There are many reasons why dental crowns Hammersmith might be the right option for you.  A few of these are when a tooth has become weak through decay to the point of breaking or if a tooth has been severely worn down. The tooth may be needed to support a bridge or to provide protection when a root canal procedure has been performed. A discoloured or misshapen tooth may require a cosmetic makeover, crowns are also the final stage of a dental implant.

Different types of crowns

Traditionally a crown is made to cover the entire tooth, however there are also three-quarter crowns and onlays which do not cover the entire tooth. These may be suggested when there is still a sound solid tooth structure. It is always a dentist’s aim to try and retain as much of your natural teeth as possible.

Materials used to create a crown

Over the decades modern dental science and technology have combined to provide the dental profession with new materials from which to create more and more natural looking crowns, both in shape and colour. Gold, and a variety of other metals used to be very popular and are still in use today, although these days mainly for the rear molars. Porcelain has become increasingly popular because of its ability to be matched to existing teeth more easily. Resin crowns are also available, but are not as hard wearing as metal and porcelain. Ceramic is another hard wearing material selected usually for a front tooth and especially useful if you have a metal allergy.

What is the procedure?

Dental crowns Hammersmith will normally require you to have at least two visits. The first visit requires an examination including X-rays of the specific tooth and the surrounding bone. During this examination we are specifically looking to see if there is any tooth decay, injury to the pulp of the tooth or any risk of later infection. Once we are satisfied that it is safe to proceed we will file the tooth across the top and the sides to make space for the crown. The amount of filing depends on the type of crown selected, metal crowns require less filing as they are thinner. Next we will take an impression of the tooth with dental putty, as well as the teeth above and below, to ensure that your bite is correct. This is sent off to the laboratory together with an exact colour match. On your return visit we will check the shape and colour of your crown to ensure that it matches your existing teeth. We will then cement the crown into place, if you require it, we can administer a local anaesthetic to ensure that you have no discomfort.

Your smile and confidence restored

Dental crowns allow you to eat and drink normally and to conduct your normal brushing and flossing maintenance. In addition to returning to life as normal you will also be able to show the world your confident, radiant smile.