Dental Crowns Near Finchley Central Station

A crown is often the best choice when a simple filling cannot protect a tooth. Consider a crown if a tooth is severely worn, cracked, or weakened by a large filling. It is also the standard way to protect and restore a tooth after root canal treatment, since the tooth can become brittle. Some patients choose crowns for cosmetic reasons, such as covering a badly discoloured or misshapen tooth. For example, a patient from North Finchley came with a molar that had a large old filling and was starting to fracture. A durable zirconia crown restored the tooth's strength and stopped the need for extraction.

Getting a crown usually takes two visits to our Finchley practice. The first visit lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area, reshape the tooth, and take a digital impression. The scan goes to the lab to make your crown, typically in about two weeks. We place a temporary crown in the meantime. At the second visit, about 30 to 45 minutes, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color, and bond the permanent crown. We adjust your bite to be comfortable and natural.

Right after the crown is fitted you may have mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days. Your bite may feel different at first, but this usually settles within a week. With good care a crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. To maintain it, brush twice daily, floss daily, and keep regular checkups. Avoid chewing on very hard objects like ice or hard candy to prevent chipping. If the crown feels loose or comes off, keep it safe and contact us during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5, Tue, Thu 11 to 7). For emergencies outside these hours go to A&E or call 111.

While crowns work well, we can discuss other options. For teeth with less damage, a large filling or an onlay can be a suitable, more conservative choice that preserves more of your natural tooth. But these may not provide the same strength for a severely damaged tooth. If a tooth cannot be saved, the alternative is extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or a bridge. An implant replaces the tooth root; a bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors. We will explain the pros and cons of each option based on your clinical needs and budget.

To decide on your treatment, here are key questions to ask, whether at our practice or another in North London: 1. What material do you recommend for my crown and why? 2. What is the total cost, including appointments and lab fees? 3. How long can I expect the crown to last with good care? 4. Do you offer any guarantee if the crown chips or breaks? 5. What are the risks and how do you handle them? 6. Will the color match my other teeth exactly? 7. What happens if the tooth under the crown develops decay?

The cost depends on the material and case complexity. We provide a detailed treatment plan and full cost breakdown after your initial consultation, with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we aim for price transparency. We accept several major private plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment and our team will help you understand coverage and process claims. For example, a patient from Hampstead used Denplan to partially fund a cosmetic E max crown for a front tooth, reducing their out of pocket expense.