Expert Dental Crowns for West Finchley & North London Patients

Use a crown when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling. Consider a crown if a tooth is significantly broken or fractured, has a large old filling that is failing, or has weakened after root canal treatment. A crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth, providing 360 degree protection and strength. Many patients in West Finchley choose crowns for cosmetic reasons, such as to hide severe discoloration or a misshapen tooth, improving appearance while reinforcing structure.

The crown fitting usually requires two visits. The first visit lasts 60 to 90 minutes for preparation. Under local anaesthetic, we remove decay and reshape the tooth to create a stable base. We take a precise digital scan with our CAD/CAM system, avoiding traditional putty impressions. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made. About two weeks later, you return for the second appointment, which lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. We remove the temporary crown, check the fit and colour, then permanently bond the final crown, leaving you with a restored tooth that works well.

For teeth visible when you smile, all porcelain or all ceramic crowns are popular. They offer a natural look that mimics the translucency of real enamel, making them ideal for front teeth. A recent patient from West Finchley needed a crown on a front tooth darkened after an old injury. We selected a high‑grade EMax ceramic crown, color matched to adjacent teeth for a seamless smile.

For molars that endure heavy chewing, strength matters. Zirconia is a very strong tooth‑colored ceramic that combines durability with good aesthetics. Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a metal core for strength with a porcelain outer layer for appearance. Another patient, a rugby player from Finchley, cracked a back molar. We recommended a zirconia crown for its toughness, so he could eat and play without worry. With proper care, modern crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer.

After final crown placement, you may notice mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days as the tooth settles. The gum around the crown may feel tender, but this should resolve within a week with careful brushing. You can eat normally, but avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. Long term care is simple: treat the crown like a natural tooth with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular check‑ups at our Finchley practice. The tooth beneath remains prone to decay, so excellent oral hygiene is essential.

While complications are rare, call our practice during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9-5; Tue, Thu 11-7) if you have severe pain, if your bite feels high or uncomfortable after a few days, or if the crown feels loose. For emergencies outside those hours, visit A and E or call 111 for advice.

While a crown often works best for a heavily damaged tooth, other options may suit some cases. For smaller damage, a large composite filling or a ceramic onlay might suffice. If a tooth is unrestorable, extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or a bridge may be considered. A dental implant is a separate tooth, while a bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors. We discuss all suitable options during your consultation to find the right solution for your dental health and budget.

Being a fully private practice we provide high quality, custom crowns using premium materials. The cost of a private crown in North London starts from around £700, depending on material and case complexity. This fee covers the preparation, the fabrication of your crown, and the final fitting. We are transparent with no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss coverage and receive a personalized treatment estimate.

Ask these questions when you meet a dentist in West Finchley: what material do you recommend for my crown and why? do you use digital scans or traditional impressions? what is the expected lifespan of the crown with good care? is the quoted price for all appointments including fitting? what happens if the crown chips or becomes loose in the future? please show before and after photos of similar cases you have treated.