Dental Crowns in Leigh-on-Sea
Dental Crowns in Leigh-on-Sea
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged, weakened, or heavily filled tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. At Chalkwell Dental Practice in Leigh-on-Sea, we provide custom-made crowns that are designed to look and function just like a natural tooth, giving you a fully restored smile you can feel confident in.
Crowns are used in a wide range of situations: to protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay or a large filling, to restore a broken or cracked tooth, to cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment, or to improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth. They can also be used as part of a dental bridge or to secure a dental implant restoration.
Our crowns are crafted to match the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth as closely as possible. Please see our fees page for current pricing. If you have any concerns about the cost of treatment, our finance options may be able to help. A consultation is required before any treatment begins, and results may vary.
What Does Getting a Crown Involve?
Fitting a dental crown usually takes place over two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of its outer surface to make room for the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is made. A temporary crown is placed in the meantime to protect the tooth.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully fitted and checked for comfort and bite. Any minor adjustments are made before the crown is permanently secured in place. Results may vary and your dentist will discuss what to expect during your consultation.
Caring for Your Crown
A dental crown should be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss around the crown daily, and attend regular check-ups and hygiene appointments at Chalkwell Dental. Avoiding habits such as grinding your teeth or biting very hard foods will help to protect your crown.
If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard to protect your crown and surrounding teeth. We also offer dental veneers and dental bridges for patients who need further smile restoration. Please speak to our friendly team if you have any questions about what is right for you.
Is getting a crown painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel any pain during the appointment. Some patients experience mild sensitivity around the tooth for a few days afterwards, which usually settles on its own. Our team will make sure you are comfortable throughout.
Will my crown look like a natural tooth?
Yes. Our crowns are custom-made to closely match the colour, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth. Most patients find that their crown blends in very naturally. Results may vary depending on individual circumstances, and your dentist will discuss expectations with you at your consultation.
Why might I need a crown?
Crowns are recommended for a number of reasons, including protecting a tooth with a large filling, restoring a cracked or broken tooth, covering a tooth after root canal treatment, or improving the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth. Your dentist will explain whether a crown is the most appropriate option for you.
Do I need to do anything special to look after my crown?
Care for your crown just as you would your natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend routine check-ups. It is also worth avoiding very hard or sticky foods that could place undue stress on the crown. If you grind your teeth, speak to your dentist about a night guard.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire tooth and is used mainly to restore a damaged or weakened tooth. A veneer is a thin shell applied only to the front surface of the tooth and is primarily a cosmetic treatment. Your dentist will advise which is most suitable based on your individual needs.
Can a crown fall off?
Crowns are designed to be securely fixed in place and should not come loose under normal circumstances. In rare cases, they can become dislodged, often due to biting very hard foods or a weakening of the cement over time. If your crown does become loose or falls off, contact us as soon as possible so we can re-cement or replace it.
Restore Your Tooth with a Crown at Chalkwell Dental
If you have a damaged, weak, or heavily filled tooth, a dental crown could be just what you need. Get in touch with our friendly team at Chalkwell Dental to book a consultation and find out whether a crown is right for you.