Dental crowns: protecting and restoring a tooth

A dental crown covers the visible part of a tooth. It may be recommended for a tooth that is heavily filled, cracked, badly worn or weakened after root canal treatment, or to restore an implant. Crowns can be made from several materials, including zirconia, lithium disilicate (a type of glass-ceramic), porcelain fused to metal, and metal alloys.

To fit a crown on a natural tooth, the dentist reshapes it to make room for the crown material. This is irreversible. An impression or digital scan is then taken and the crown is made in a laboratory or, at some clinics, milled on site.

Crowns are often a sensible way to protect a weakened tooth, but they are not always the only option. Depending on the tooth, a filling or an onlay that removes less tooth structure may be appropriate. A clinician should explain why a crown is being recommended.

Crowns may be suitable where a tooth needs more protection than a filling can offer. A dentist will need to examine the tooth, usually with an X-ray, before recommending one.

• A tooth is cracked, broken or heavily filled.
• A back tooth has had root canal treatment and may need protecting.
• A tooth is badly worn or discoloured and other options are not suitable.
• An implant needs a crown to complete it.
• The root and surrounding gum are healthy enough to support a crown.

If a tooth has active decay, infection or gum problems, these usually need treating first. Healthy teeth are not normally crowned for cosmetic reasons alone, because of the tooth structure removed. This is general information, not a diagnosis.

1. 01

   Assessment

   The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays and checks for decay, infection or cracks, then explains the options and materials.

2. 02

   Preparation

   Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is reshaped and any decay removed. Sometimes a core build-up is placed first to support the crown.

3. 03

   Impression or digital scan

   A record of the prepared tooth and your bite is sent to the laboratory, and a shade is chosen to match neighbouring teeth.

4. 04

   Temporary crown

   A temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent one is made. It is not as strong, so care is needed when eating.

5. 05

   Fitting

   The permanent crown is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, then cemented or bonded in place.

Crowns can often be completed within a single trip, though the trip may need to last several days.

In many cases there is an appointment to prepare the teeth and a second, a few days later, to fit the crowns. Some clinics with in-house milling can fit certain crowns sooner.

If a tooth needs root canal treatment or gum treatment first, or if many crowns are involved, the plan may need a longer stay or a second trip. Ask the clinic how long you should allow.

What can change the timeline

• The number of crowns
• Whether root canal or other treatment is needed first
• Laboratory turnaround time
• Whether your bite needs adjusting across several teeth
• The material chosen

Crown costs depend on several factors that a clinic can only confirm after seeing the teeth.

• The crown material and laboratory used
• The number of crowns
• Any core build-ups, root canal treatment or extractions needed
• X-rays or scans
• Whether temporary crowns are included
• Your travel and accommodation

We do not publish prices on this page. Each clinic sets its own fees and provides an indicative range, which can only be confirmed once a dentist has examined you and reviewed your scans. Ask for a written, itemised plan before you book anything, and check what is and is not included.

Crowns are a common treatment, but there are risks to be aware of.

• Reshaping the tooth is irreversible and removes healthy tooth structure.
• The nerve of a crowned tooth can become inflamed or die, sometimes years later, leading to the need for root canal treatment.
• Teeth may be sensitive for a while after preparation.
• Crowns can chip, crack or come loose, and may eventually need replacing.
• Decay can develop at the edge of a crown if cleaning is not thorough.
• If several crowns are fitted in a short period, any bite problems may only become apparent after you return home.

A crowned tooth can still decay at the margin and the gum around it still needs care.

• Brush twice daily and clean between teeth, paying attention to where the crown meets the gum.
• Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or bite very hard objects.
• Consider a night guard if you grind your teeth and your clinician advises it.
• Tell your home dentist about the crowns and bring X-rays and material details home.
• Agree with the clinic in advance who handles adjustments or problems after you leave.