Cosmetic, Implant and General DentistryDental Crowns in Luton
A crown covers a tooth that's been weakened by decay, a large filling, root canal treatment, or a crack, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. It's one of the most common restorative treatments we carry out at our Luton practice, and for many patients it's the alternative to losing the tooth altogether.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
We typically recommend a crown when there isn’t enough natural tooth left to support a normal filling, after root canal treatment (where the tooth becomes more brittle and needs extra protection), or when a tooth is significantly discoloured, misshapen, or worn down.
At your consultation, your dentist will explain whether a crown is genuinely the best option for your tooth, or whether a white filling or veneer would serve you better.
We won’t recommend a crown where a simpler treatment would do the job.
Two Appointments, Start to Finish
Crown treatment usually takes two visits. At the first, we prepare the tooth (removing a thin layer to make room for the crown), take an impression or digital scan, and fit a temporary crown while your permanent one is made. At the second visit, usually one to two weeks later, we fit and check the finished crown for fit, bite and colour match before permanently cementing it in place.
Local anaesthetic is used throughout, so the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
How to Look After Your Dental Crown
A well-fitted crown should be treated like a natural tooth: brush and floss around it as normal, and avoid using it to bite anything very hard (ice, hard sweets, opening packaging), which can chip the porcelain or loosen the fit over time. With good care, crowns commonly last a decade or more, though this varies by individual and isn’t guaranteed.
Dental Crown Fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Crown per tooth | £750 |
| Examination, x-ray (if not already a patient) | £45 |
1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, restoring its strength and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. Crowns are sometimes referred to as “caps.”
2. Why might I need a crown?
A crown may be recommended if a tooth has been broken, weakened by decay, or has a very large filling. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of discoloured fillings, to protect a tooth after root canal treatment, or to help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place. Our dentist will only recommend a crown if it’s clinically appropriate for your tooth.
3. What materials are dental crowns made from?
Crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain bonded to metal, all-porcelain, zirconia, or gold alloy. Each option has different aesthetic and strength properties, and our dentist will discuss which material best suits your tooth, its position in the mouth, and your preferences.
4. How is a tooth prepared for a crown?
The dentist will shape the tooth to create room for the crown, removing the outer surface while leaving a strong inner core. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken, along with an impression of the opposite jaw, to help our dental technician create a crown that fits accurately.
5. Does having a tooth prepared for a crown hurt?
Local anaesthetic is normally used, so you shouldn’t feel pain during preparation. If the tooth no longer has a nerve, a local anaesthetic may not always be necessary, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by our dentist.
6. What will happen between visits?
A temporary crown will be fitted so you can continue using the tooth while your permanent crown is being made. The temporary crown may look and feel slightly different, but it is only in place for a short period. Treatment usually involves two visits, roughly two weeks apart.
7. Will the crown be noticeable?
Your crown will be made to match your surrounding teeth as closely as possible. The shade of your neighbouring teeth is recorded beforehand to help the finished crown blend in naturally.
8. Will the crown feel different at first?
As the shape of the crown may differ slightly from your natural tooth, you may notice it initially. This sensation usually settles within a few days. If your bite doesn’t feel comfortable after fitting, let our dentist know so it can be checked and adjusted if needed.
9. How do I care for my crown, and how long will it last?
How long a crown lasts depends largely on how well it is looked after. The crown material itself cannot decay, but decay can develop where the crown meets the natural tooth, so it’s important to keep this area clean, just as you would your natural teeth. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, crowns can last for many years, though our dentist can give you a more specific estimate based on your individual case.
10. How much does a dental crown cost at USmile Dental?
A crown at USmile Dental starts from £750 per tooth, depending on the material used and the complexity of your case. We recommend booking a consultation so our dentist can assess your tooth and provide a written estimate and treatment plan before any work begins.