Restore and Protect a Damaged Tooth with a Dental Crown
A dental crown, sometimes called a “cap”, is a custom-made restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, restoring its strength and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. Crowns are a well-established way to protect and rebuild teeth that have been broken, worn, or weakened.
At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our dentists assess your tooth carefully to determine whether a crown is a suitable option for you, and explain the process, materials, and costs involved so you can make an informed decision.
A crown fully covers the visible part of a tooth above the gum line, rebuilding its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of materials, chosen to suit the tooth’s position and function.
Crowns are commonly used to:
Repair a tooth that has broken or has been significantly weakened by decay or a large filling
Protect a tooth after root canal treatment, where the remaining structure can be more fragile
Improve the appearance of a heavily discoloured or misshapen tooth
Help anchor a bridge or denture firmly in place
Whether a crown is the most suitable option depends on how much natural tooth remains and the underlying condition of the tooth. Your dentist will assess this and discuss the alternatives with you, such as a filling, veneer, or, where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction and replacement.
Click to see real before/after cases on the smile gallery.
Who May Benefit from a Dental Crown?
You may want to discuss a dental crown with our team if you are experiencing:
A tooth that has cracked, chipped, or broken
A large or failing filling that no longer supports the tooth well
Sensitivity or weakness in a tooth following root canal treatment
A discoloured or misshapen tooth affecting your confidence in your smile
A loose bridge or denture that could benefit from additional support
An examination, including X-rays where needed, will help confirm whether a crown, or another restoration, is the most suitable option for your tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns We Offer
Porcelain or ceramic crowns
Chosen for their natural appearance, these are often used for front teeth or where aesthetics are a priority.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
Combine the strength of a metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer, offering durability along with a more natural look than metal alone.
Metal alloy crowns
Highly durable and often used for back teeth, where chewing forces are greatest and appearance is less of a priority.
Same-day/CEREC crowns (where available)
Some crowns can be designed and milled in-house using digital scanning technology, which may reduce the number of visits needed. Your dentist will confirm whether this option is suitable for your case.
Before Your Crown Treatment
Initial consultation
Your first appointment includes a detailed examination of the affected tooth, along with X-rays where necessary to assess the health of the tooth root and surrounding bone.
Suitability assessment
Your dentist will consider how much natural tooth structure remains, the health of the surrounding gum, and your bite, to determine whether a crown is the right solution or whether an alternative treatment would serve you better.
Treatment planning
If a crown is recommended, your dentist will explain the material options, the number of visits required, and the estimated cost before treatment begins.
The Dental Crown Treatment Process
Step 1: Preparing the tooth
The tooth is gently reshaped to remove any damaged or decayed material and create room for the crown. This is carried out under local anaesthetic.
Step 2: Taking impressions or scans
An impression or digital scan of your prepared tooth is taken and used to custom-make your crown to fit your bite and match the shade of your surrounding teeth.
Step 3: Fitting a temporary crown
A temporary crown is usually fitted to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
Step 4: Fitting the permanent crown
Once ready, your permanent crown is checked for fit, shape, and colour match, and then cemented securely into place.
Step 5: Review
A follow-up appointment allows your dentist to check that crown is functioning well and that your bite feels comfortable.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
For suitable patients, a dental crown may help:
Restore the strength and function of a damaged tooth
Protect a weakened tooth from further breakage
Improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
Provide a long-term solution where a filling alone would not be sufficient
Support a bridge or denture where additional stability is needed
As with any dental treatment, results and how long a crown lasts vary between individuals, and your dentist can discuss what to realistically expect in your case.
Cost of Dental Crowns
The cost of a dental crown depends on the material chosen, the position of the tooth, and the complexity of your case.
Treatment fees
We provide a written treatment plan with clear costs before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Payment and finance
Finance options may be available to help spread the cost of treatment — please ask our team for details.
Looking after your crown properly can help support its long-term success, although, as with natural teeth, this cannot be guaranteed.
Maintain good oral hygiene — Brush twice daily and clean around the crown margin, paying particular attention to the gum line.
Attend regular check-ups — Routine reviews allow your dentist to monitor the crown and the health of the tooth underneath.
Avoid biting very hard foods — Hard foods, ice, or using your teeth as tools can damage or dislodge a crown.
Wear a night guard if advised — If you grind your teeth, a night guard can help protect your crown from excess wear.
Contact us promptly if you notice a problem — Looseness, discomfort, or a change in how your crown feels should be checked as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I suitable for a dental crown?
Suitability depends on how much natural tooth structure remains and the underlying condition of the tooth. An examination with our dentists will confirm whether a crown, or another restoration, is most appropriate for you.
How long does dental crown treatment take?
Treatment usually involves two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions or scans, and a further visit to fit the permanent crown once it has been made. Some cases may be suitable for a same-day crown; your dentist can advise after your assessment.
Does having a crown fitted hurt?
Preparing the tooth for a crown is carried out under local anaesthetic. Some mild sensitivity is common afterwards and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief, as advised by your dentist.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Costs vary depending on the material chosen and the complexity of your case. We provide a detailed, written quote after your consultation so you know the costs involved before deciding whether to proceed.
How long do dental crowns last?
Many crowns can function well for a number of years with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, though this varies between patients and cannot be guaranteed. Some crowns may need repair or replacement over time.
What’s the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire visible part of a tooth and is typically used where more strength or coverage is needed, while a veneer covers mainly the front surface and is often used for cosmetic changes to healthy teeth. Your dentist can discuss which option suits your particular tooth and goals.
Can a crown be fitted on a tooth that has had root canal treatment?
Yes, a crown is often recommended after root canal treatment, as the tooth can be more brittle afterwards and may need extra protection to reduce the risk of it breaking.
What happens if my crown feels loose or falls off?
Contact us as soon as possible if a crown feels loose, comes off, or causes discomfort. Keep the crown safe if you can, and avoid chewing on that side until it has been assessed and refitted or replaced.
Considering a Dental Crown? Book a Consultation Today
Every patient’s situation is different, and a crown is not the right choice for every damaged tooth. Book a consultation with our team to discuss whether a dental crown could be a suitable option for you, along with the process and costs involved.
Alongside standard private dentist appointments, we offer weekend, Saturday, and late-night availability for patients in Enfield, and support corporate dental care and lunchtime dental checkups for those visiting us from City Road and Old Street, with same-day appointments where possible.
