A dental crown is a cap that fits over your existing tooth, covering it completely down to the gum line. It restores the shape, size, and strength of a tooth that has been damaged, weakened, or heavily restored.
Crowns can be made from several materials. The most common options are:
Zirconia — a strong, tooth-coloured ceramic that is now the most widely used material. Highly durable and suitable for both front and back teeth.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) — a metal inner layer with a porcelain outer coating. Reliable and long-established, though the metal margin can sometimes become visible at the gum line over time.
Full porcelain or lithium disilicate (e.max) — highly aesthetic, typically used for front teeth or cases where appearance is the priority.
Gold alloy — exceptionally durable and gentle on opposing teeth. The gold colour means it is mostly chosen for back teeth not visible when smiling.
Your dentist will discuss which material is most suitable for your tooth, its position, and your preferences.
Why might I need a crown?
Your dentist may recommend a crown for several reasons:
A tooth that has been root canal treated — these teeth can become brittle and are at higher risk of fracture
A large filling that takes up most of the tooth — the remaining tooth structure is too weak to support another filling
A cracked or fractured tooth
A broken tooth that cannot be restored with a filling alone
To support a dental bridge
To cover a dental implant
To improve the appearance of a severely discoloured or misshapen tooth
What are my alternatives?
Depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains, there may be alternatives:
A large filling — suitable if there is enough healthy tooth to support it, though it may not protect against fracture as well as a crown
An inlay or onlay — a partial restoration that covers part of the chewing surface. Less tooth preparation than a crown, but not always appropriate.
Tooth extraction — if the tooth is too damaged to restore with any option, removal may be the only alternative. This would then require a tooth replacement.
No treatment — leaving a heavily damaged tooth untreated risks fracture, further breakdown, pain, and eventual loss of the tooth in an uncontrolled way.
What does the procedure involve?
Getting a crown usually requires two appointments:
First appointment — preparation:
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic
Your dentist shapes the tooth by removing a thin, even layer from all surfaces to create space for the crown
An impression (mould) is taken of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth
A temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is made by a dental laboratory — this usually takes 2–3 weeks
Second appointment — fitting:
The temporary crown is removed
The permanent crown is checked for fit, shape, and colour
Once you and your dentist are satisfied, the crown is cemented permanently in place
Some practices use digital scanning instead of traditional impressions, and same-day crowns are available at practices with in-house milling technology.
Risks and possible complications
Common (affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Sensitivity to hot or cold after the crown is fitted — this usually settles within a few weeks
Mild soreness around the gum margin for a few days
Needing a small adjustment to the bite
Uncommon (affect about 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people):
The prepared tooth may develop pulp problems and require root canal treatment — this can happen if the tooth was already compromised before crown preparation
The crown may feel uncomfortable or not fit ideally on the first attempt, requiring adjustment or remake
Chipping of porcelain, particularly in patients who grind their teeth
Rare (affect fewer than 1 in 100 people):
The crown becomes loose or falls off — this can usually be recemented
An allergic reaction to materials used (very uncommon)
With good care, a crown typically lasts 10–15 years or longer. Grinding teeth, poor oral hygiene, and sugary diets can shorten its lifespan.
Caring for your crown
A crowned tooth still requires the same care as a natural tooth:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes — pay particular attention to the margin where the crown meets the gum
Attend regular dental check-ups
If you grind your teeth at night, mention this to your dentist — a night guard may help protect the crown
Avoid biting very hard foods such as ice or hard sweets directly on the crown
Questions to ask your dentist
What material would you recommend for my crown, and why?
How much of my tooth structure will remain after preparation?
Is there any chance I will need root canal treatment on this tooth?
How long should this crown last with good care?
What would happen if I chose not to have a crown at this stage?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.