Dental Crowns in Leeds

FAQ'S ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS IN LEEDS AT LS1 DENTAL

What is a dental crown?
Dental crowns are an ideal way to rebuild teeth which have been broken, cracked or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. Crowning teeth can also restore natural tooth height where teeth may have become worn down over time, possibly by grinding. After preparation, the crown fits over the top of the remaining part of the tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape and contour of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes referred to as 'caps.'

Why would I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are used for a number of reasons and your dentist at LS1 Dental in Leeds will advise you on the best form of treatment:

• The tooth may have been weakened by having a very large filling
• You may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
• You may have had a root filling which needs a crown to protect it
• You may have had an accident and damaged the tooth
• It may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place
• Your teeth may be worn down by grinding

What are dental crowns made of?
Crowns can be fabricated from a variety of materials ranging from porcelain bonded to precious metal, glass, all porcelain or even all metal, new materials are continuously being introduced. The most popular choice today, are all porcelain crowns which can be made and fitted within 2 hours using CEREC 3D technology at LS1 Dental in Leeds.

How is a tooth prepared for a crown?
Your Leeds dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown.  This will involve removing a layer of the outer surface of the tooth. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and possibly another to mark the way you bite together. The impressions are then used by our dental technician to fabricate your crowns in the dental laboratory in Leeds. At LS1 Dental Leeds we can also fabricate crowns onsite within 2 hours using CEREC 3D, without the need for impressions or a second visit.

How are crowns fixed to the prepared teeth?
Once we have checked the fit and accuracy of the crown and the patient is happy with the appearance, it is cemented in place.

Is having a tooth prepared for a crown painful?
A local anesthetic can be used. If the tooth does not have a nerve, and a post crown is being prepared, then local anesthetic may not be necessary.

Will the crown feel different?
The shape of the crown will be slightly different from the shape of your tooth before it was crowned therefore it may feel peculiar at first. Within days you will become familiar with your new restoration and will soon not notice it. Occasionally, the crown may require minor adjustments, particularly if it feels higher than the surrounding teeth. If your crown is uncomfortable, ask your dentist in Leeds to check and adjust it.

How long will a dental crown last?
This depends partially on how well it is taken care of. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown meets the natural tooth. It is very important to keep this area very clean so that decay does not set in. In cases of broken teeth, it is important to establish the reason for the tooth to break down. Tooth breakage may be the result of teeth grinding. In such a case a dental splint may help stabalise and prevent further damage. Well cared for crowns can last for many years, your Leeds dentist may be able to give a time indication.

A guide to porcleain dental crowns treatment