Does having a dental crown fitted hurt?

If you’ve never had a crown before, you might be wondering whether the treatment will be painful. The good news is that having a dental crown fitted is usually a comfortable procedure.

Before preparing your tooth, we’ll use local anaesthetic where needed to numb the area and make sure you’re comfortable. You might notice some pressure or vibration as we work, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain. We’ll check in with you throughout the appointment and make sure you’re happy for us to continue.

It’s normal for your tooth or gums to feel a little sensitive once the anaesthetic wears off, especially if your tooth needed quite a lot of preparation. However, this should usually settle within a few days.

If you’re feeling nervous about your dental crown treatment, just let us know. Our friendly team will take things at your pace, explain what’s happening and do everything we can to help you feel relaxed.

How much does a dental crown cost?

At AP Smilecare, we believe you should always know what you’re paying before treatment begins. Our private dental crown cost starts from £650.00, depending on the type of crown you need and the work involved.

We’ll assess your tooth, explain your options and give you a clear breakdown of the cost and fees before you decide whether to go ahead.

If you’re already with us through Denplan, you may also be entitled to a discount or help towards the cost of your treatment:

• Private patients: dental crowns from £650.00
• Denplan Essentials patients: 12.5% discount on crowns
• Denplan Care patients: crown treatment covered, with laboratory fees payable

If you’re new to AP Smilecare, you’re always welcome to book a private appointment with us. You don’t need to be registered with our practice to come and see us privately. We also offer finance options if you’d prefer to spread the cost of your dental care.

Whatever your circumstances, we’ll be happy to explain the different payment options and help you understand the cost of your treatment.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic dental crowns?

Dental crowns can be made from several different materials, and the best option for you will depend on which tooth needs treating, how much strength it needs and how you’d like your crown to look.

Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for front teeth, where you may be more concerned about how your new crown will look. They can be matched to the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth, helping your crown blend in naturally with the rest of your smile.

Ceramic crowns are another option, and some types are strong enough to be used on back teeth, where there’s more pressure from everyday eating and chewing.

You don’t need to worry about knowing which type of crown is right for you before your appointment. At AP Smilecare, we’ll explain the different options, talk you through what we’d recommend for your tooth and help you make a decision you feel comfortable with.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns are a long-lasting way to restore damaged teeth, but like any dental restoration, they can wear over time and may eventually need replacing.

With the right care, many crowns last around 10 to 15 years, and some can last even longer. This will depend on a few things, including the material your crown is made from, which tooth it’s fitted to and how well you look after it.

Looking after your crown is much the same as caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, cleaning between your teeth and keeping up with routine dental check-ups will all help keep your crown in good condition for as long as possible.

We recommend:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between your teeth every day
• Attending regular dental check-ups
• Avoiding chewing very hard foods
• Speaking to your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth
• Getting any discomfort or changes to your crown checked

Although the crown itself can’t decay, the natural tooth underneath it still can, so it’s important to keep looking after your teeth and gums to help your crown last as long as possible.

Can an old dental crown be replaced?

Yes! If you already have a crown that’s become damaged, loose or uncomfortable, we can look at a dental crown replacement.

Over time, crowns can become worn, chipped or less secure, and sometimes the natural tooth underneath can develop decay too. If this happens, we may need to remove your existing crown, treat the tooth underneath and fit a new crown to help protect it.

You might need to have your crown checked if:

• It feels loose or moves when you eat
• It’s cracked, chipped or broken
• You’re experiencing pain or sensitivity around the tooth
• You notice a gap around the edge of the crown
• Your crown no longer fits comfortably when you bite

Not every problem means your crown will need replacing. In some cases, we may be able to repair or adjust your existing crown instead.

We’ll carefully examine your crown and the tooth underneath to see what’s causing the problem, then explain your options and recommend the best way forward.

If your crown has fallen out, keep it somewhere safe and get in touch with us as soon as possible. Please don’t try to glue it back in place yourself, as this could damage your tooth. We’ll check whether it can be fitted back in place or if a replacement is needed.