If you have a tooth that is badly broken, heavily filled or root canal filled, your dentist may need to crown or ‘cap’ it to restore its appearance and strength. A crown can also be used as the top part of an implant.

Crowns can be made of porcelain, porcelain bonded to gold, or gold. New materials are continually being introduced. Different crowns suit different situations and your dentist will disuss with you which one would be best for you.

To get a crown you will usually need to make two appointments with your dentist.

Crown – first appointment

At your first appointment, various putty-like impressions will be taken of your mouth.

The tooth needing a crown will be prepared under local anaesthetic, and a small amount of the tooth surface will be taken away.You will have a temporary crown while your new crown is being made by the laboratory. Its appearance will be the same as your existing tooth.

Crown – second appointment

At your second appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and discarded. Your new crown will be cemented onto the remaining tooth with a permanent cement. You can eat and chew as normal again.