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Port Dover Family Dentistry
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth weakened by a large filling, crack or root canal. Walsingham patients can learn about materials, visits and long-term care.
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Serving Walsingham households from our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalsinghamA protective cap
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers the visible part of a tooth above the gum. It is often recommended when a tooth is cracked, heavily filled, worn down or has had root canal treatment and is at risk of breaking. Crowns can also improve the shape or colour of a tooth, and they are used on dental implants and as part of bridges.
If a crown has been suggested for one of your teeth and you live in Walsingham, the dentist at our Port Dover office can explain exactly why. You will learn what the tooth needs, the material options available and what to expect across the appointments needed to prepare and place the crown.

Why a crown
Teeth with very large fillings, cracked cusps, significant wear or root canal treatment often lack the strength to handle chewing forces on their own. A crown wraps around the tooth, spreading forces and reducing the risk of a fracture that could make it unrestorable. It can also protect a tooth after major decay has been removed.
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. An onlay covers only part of the tooth and may preserve more natural structure. A filling may suffice for smaller damage. The dentist will explain why a crown is recommended for your tooth and whether a more conservative option is reasonable in your case.
Materials
All-ceramic and zirconia crowns can look natural and are often chosen for front teeth and visible back teeth. Modern ceramics can be strong, though the right material depends on your bite and how much space is available. The dentist will help choose a shade that blends with your surrounding teeth.
Gold and other metal alloys are very durable and require less tooth removal in some cases, which can suit back teeth under heavy forces. Porcelain fused to metal combines a metal base with a tooth-coloured surface. Ask the dentist about the benefits and drawbacks of each for the tooth being treated.
The process
After freezing, the dentist removes decay and reshapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. Sometimes a core build-up is needed to replace missing structure. An impression or scan is taken and sent to make the crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime, and you will be given advice on caring for it.
At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown is tried in. The dentist checks the fit, colour, contacts with neighbouring teeth and your bite before cementing it. Let the dentist know if anything feels tight, high or uncomfortable. Small adjustments are best made before the crown is permanently set.
Caring for a crown
Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a short time after a crown is placed. If the bite feels uneven after the freezing wears off, or sensitivity worsens rather than improves, contact the office. A crown that feels loose or a temporary that falls out should also be reported promptly.
The tooth under a crown can still decay at the edge where the crown meets the tooth. Brush twice a day, clean between teeth daily and keep regular checkups. Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects, and ask about a night guard if you grind. With good care, a crown can protect a tooth for many years.
Planning your appointment
When booking at our Port Dover office, mention which tooth needs a crown and whether it is causing pain. Ask how long the time between the preparation and fitting visits usually is so you can plan your trips.
Bring any treatment plans or X-rays from another dentist. If you have concerns about the material or cost, raise them during the planning visit.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Many crowns last for years, depending on the material, your bite, grinding habits and how well the tooth and gums are cared for. Regular checkups help monitor the crown and the tooth beneath it.
The tooth is frozen during preparation, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterwards is normal and generally settles within a short time.
The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath can, especially at the margin near the gumline. Good brushing, flossing and regular dental visits help prevent this.
Call the office. Keep the temporary safe and avoid chewing on that side. The prepared tooth can be sensitive and may shift if left uncovered, so it is best to have the temporary replaced soon.
Tooth-coloured crowns are shade-matched to your neighbouring teeth. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it before the crown is made, since crowns do not change colour with whitening.
Too much damage for a filling, not enough for a crown? Walsingham patients can learn how inlays and onlays restore back teeth while keeping more natural tooth structure.
A filling fell out or your crown came off? Walsingham patients can learn how to protect the tooth until it is seen and how the dentist decides between recementing and replacing.
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New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
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