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London dentists may recommend a dental crown for many reasons including but not limited to; restoration of your tooth to its original shape (usually following extensive tooth decay or damage), or for cosmetic reasons. Dental crowns replace the original outer surface of the tooth, usually above the gum line, but in some cases they may have to be extended below the gum line. Dental crowns are usually made up of metal (gold or other metal alloy), porcelain (a type of ceramic), or both (i.e., porcelain fused to gold/metal).
Severely broken-down or decayed teeth usually require full coverage. Your London dentist will use local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area, and will then remove the enamel of your tooth and some of the dentin layer (i.e., substructure). This will be performed using special drills. When your London dentist is pleased with the result, he will place a gingival cord around your tooth in order to take an accurate impression of the tooth preparation. The dentist will then take an impression using some type of dental putty, an opposing impression, a bite registration, and will choose a shade for the tooth from a shade-guide. These will all be sent to the laboratory in order to pour models that will replicate your mouth upon which the dental crown can be made. A temporary crown will be made by the dentist to protect the tooth from sensitivity and keep it and the surrounding teeth from shifting. The dentist will cement the temporary crown and you receive a follow-up appointment in about 2 weeks to have your final crown inserted. If you want a crown for cosmetic dental purposes, your London dentist will review other alternatives available to you before making the crown.