Dental Crowns

Yes. Tooth cap, dental cap and crown commonly describe the same covering restoration. A crown is different from direct or indirect pulp capping, which treats the pulp or deep dentin inside a tooth.

The best option depends on the tooth and your priorities. We balance the remaining tooth, bite, appearance, space, allergies, maintenance and cost rather than choosing by a material name alone.

A zirconia crown is made from zirconium-dioxide ceramic, rather than a metal-alloy framework. Different zirconia products have different properties. Other work inside the tooth, such as a post, may still contain metal.

No. e.max is a brand associated with particular ceramic systems; lithium disilicate is one material commonly discussed under that name. Ceramic is a broad category, so ask which exact material and design are proposed.

Often a suitable tooth-coloured design can be made. The underlying tooth shade, gum line, available space, lighting and neighbouring teeth all affect the result. We discuss the shade and shape before final fitting.

No. We assess the pulp and the condition of the tooth. Root canal treatment is recommended for an appropriate diagnosis, not simply because a cap is being made.

A root-treated tooth may have lost substantial structure. Protective coverage can reduce damaging stresses in suitable cases, especially where biting forces and missing walls make a simple filling less suitable. The restoration is selected individually.

Sometimes. A filling, onlay or other partial-coverage restoration may preserve more tooth when sufficient healthy structure and a suitable bite remain. We explain whether full coverage adds a useful benefit.

That hollow surface fits over the prepared tooth. It should not be shown as a large hole through the outer side wall. Your fitting surface and margin are made to match the individual tooth.

Most people with fixed dental crowns can have an MRI, and a well-fixed crown usually does not need to be removed. Tell the radiologist or MRI technologist about your crowns, bridges, posts and implants before scanning. Dental materials may create image artefacts near the mouth, so this information helps the team interpret the images and plan the scan. The MRI team completes the usual safety screening and confirms suitability for your particular restoration and examination.

No. Tell the MRI team about all dental work, including posts, implants and attachments. Material identity and the scan being planned still matter; a metal-free outer crown does not describe everything inside your mouth.

Some people react to particular dental-alloy components, such as nickel. Tell us about previous reactions or known allergies so the proposed material can be reviewed. Symptoms around a crown can also have other causes.

A metal margin or a thin gum edge can make a darker line visible. Recession, staining and other problems may also affect the appearance. We assess the cause before suggesting replacement.

Yes. The natural tooth and the margin still need care. Decay, gum problems, cracks or pulp disease can cause symptoms. A new or persistent painful bite should be assessed rather than ignored.

There is no guaranteed lifespan. Fit, remaining tooth, decay risk, bite or grinding, daily cleaning and review all influence how long it serves. The crown and its supporting tooth can both develop problems.

A crown does not whiten in the same way as natural enamel. Discuss whitening plans before shade selection so the restoration can be planned alongside the surrounding teeth.

Keep any loose restoration safely and contact us. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and do not use household glue. We check the tooth and restoration before deciding whether repair, re-cementation or replacement is appropriate.

The quote depends on the material, laboratory work, tooth condition and any required build-up or other treatment. We provide an individual plan and explain what is included; the lowest price alone does not establish suitability.