Dental Crowns
in Bermondsey, London SE1

5.0 41 Google reviews
Dental Clinic in Southwark, London

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.

Crowns are permanently cemented over a prepared natural tooth (or attached to a dental implant) to protect it and return it to full function.

In essence, a crown becomes the new outer surface of a tooth that has been broken, heavily filled, or compromised by decay. It looks and feels like a normal tooth, allowing you to bite, chew, and smile with confidence.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

You may need a crown in several situations: to protect a weak tooth from fracturing, to restore a cracked or worn-down tooth, or to cover a tooth with a large filling where little natural structure remains.

Crowns are also recommended after root canal treatment (to strengthen the treated tooth) and to cap dental implants or anchor a dental bridge.

In cosmetic cases, a crown can cover a misshapen or severely discoloured tooth to improve your smile. Your Calm Dental dentist will advise a crown when it’s the best way to save your tooth and prevent further damage.

Types of Dental Crowns Available

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown has a sturdy metal core with tooth-coloured porcelain layered on top. PFM crowns are strong and often used on back teeth; the porcelain gives a natural appearance, although a tiny dark line from the metal might sometimes be visible at the gum edge. This is a reliable, cost-effective choice that provides both strength and aesthetics.

All-Ceramic (Porcelain) Crowns

All-ceramic crowns are metal-free and crafted entirely from porcelain or advanced ceramic (like E.max lithium disilicate). They offer superb, lifelike translucency and are excellent for front teeth where appearance is paramount. Ceramic crowns are also suitable for patients with metal allergies. Thanks to modern materials, these crowns are very strong while maintaining a natural enamel-like look.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from an extremely durable ceramic called zirconium oxide. These crowns combine the strength of metal with the beauty of porcelain. Zirconia is ideal for molars or anyone who wants extra strength without compromising on looks. They are chip-resistant, long-lasting, and designed to blend in with your smile. At Calm Dental we use premium zirconia for cases that demand both robustness and high aesthetics.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns (or other gold-alloy metal crowns) have been used in dentistry for decades. Gold is very biocompatible and gentle on opposing teeth, and gold crowns last a long time due to their unmatched durability. They usually require the least amount of tooth reduction. However, because of their metallic appearance, gold crowns are typically reserved for back teeth or for patients specifically requesting them. While not as common nowadays, we can provide gold crowns on request as a premium option for those who value longevity over aesthetics.

Our Dental Crown Treatment Process

Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a thorough examination. Our dentist evaluates the problem tooth (with X-rays if needed) and discusses if a crown is the right solution. We explain all your options openly. This is a great time to ask questions – we want you to feel informed and at ease.

Digital 3D Scanning & Treatment Plan

We use a state-of-the-art 3Shape intraoral scanner to take digital impressions of your teeth. This digital workflow means better accuracy and a crown that will fit perfectly onto your tooth. We plan your crown restoration using this digital model and communicate the details to our dental lab electronically for efficient turnaround.

Tooth Preparation & Temporary Crown

In the next step, the tooth is prepared under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. The dentist will gently shape the tooth by removing any decay and a thin outer layer (to make room for the crown). Another quick digital scan is taken of the prepared tooth. Before you leave this appointment, we fit a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it. This temporary cap is not as strong as the final crown, but it lets you eat and speak normally while you wait for the lab to fabricate your permanent crown (usually about 1–2 weeks).

Fitting the Permanent Crown

Once your custom crown is ready, you return for a short fitting visit. We remove the temporary and try in your new crown, checking the fit, bite and appearance. We make sure you are happy with how it looks and feels. Then the crown is permanently cemented in place. We’ll do final bite adjustments and polishing so it feels like one of your natural teeth. Voila – your tooth is restored!

Your Prosthodontist In Bermondsey, London

Located near Bermondsey High Street, we are very accessible by Bus, Tube or Train:

Eighteen-minute walk from London Bridge tube and rail station (National Rail, Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Windrush)
Nineteen-minute walk from Bermondsey station (Jubilee Line)

We are on many bus routes, including the 1, 78, 188 and N1.

We have good disabled access for all our treatments and services including our well-proportioned bathroom.

We look forward to welcoming you in person very soon!

Begin Your Journey to a Confident, Beautiful Smile Today

Discover how exceptional dental crowns can transform your smile!

FAQs

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Crowns are typically made of strong materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or metal. Once cemented in place, a crown functions like a normal tooth. It’s an ideal solution for teeth that are broken, have large fillings, or are weakened (for example after a root canal).

Why might I need a crown instead of a filling?

When a tooth has a very large cavity or a crack, a filling may not be sufficient to restore its integrity. A crown is often recommended in these cases because it provides full coverage and reinforcement. If more than about half of the tooth is compromised or a previous filling is failing, a crown can prevent the tooth from fracturing. Crowns are also used electively to improve tooth appearance (for instance, on a misshapen or discoloured tooth) and necessarily after procedures like root canal therapy (to protect the treated tooth). Your dentist will suggest a crown only when it’s the best way to preserve your tooth for the long term.

What are crowns made of at Calm Dental?

We offer crowns in several materials: porcelain-fused-to-metal (a metal base with porcelain overlay), all-ceramic (modern porcelains like E.max), full zirconia, and even gold crowns. The choice depends on the tooth’s location and your preferences. For a front tooth, we’d likely use an all-ceramic or high-translucency zirconia for the best aesthetics. For a molar that endures heavy chewing, a zirconia or PFM crown might be advised for strength. We will explain the pros and cons of each type. Rest assured, all our crowns are made from premium, UK-certified materials for safety and durability.

How long does it take to get a crown fitted?

Typically, it takes two appointments over about 1–2 weeks to get a crown. The first visit is for preparing the tooth and taking digital scans (and you’ll leave with a temporary crown). The second visit is for fitting the final crown. Each appointment usually lasts around 60–90 minutes. If we’re using advanced techniques or if your case is complex, it might occasionally require a bit more time or an extra visit to ensure everything is perfect. We’ll let you know exactly what to expect during your consultation. (We do not currently offer same-day CEREC crowns, but our digital process significantly speeds up lab work, so wait times are minimal.)

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

No, the crown procedure shouldn’t hurt. We thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel the drilling during preparation. Afterwards, it’s normal to have mild gum soreness or sensitivity on the tooth for a few days (from the tooth reshaping and having a new crown on it), but this usually settles quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief is more than enough, if needed at all. Many of our patients report that getting a crown was surprisingly easy and no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. If you do feel nervous about treatment, let us know – our gentle approach and calming environment help ensure you stay comfortable throughout.

I’m a very nervous patient – can you help me?

Absolutely. We pride ourselves on being very supportive of anxious patients. Our team is friendly, patient and will go at a pace you’re comfortable with. We can offer various comfort options: for example, you can listen to music or watch Netflix on our ceiling TV during treatment, and we practice techniques like “tell-show-do” (explaining and showing steps before doing them) to help you feel in control. We use plenty of numbing and modern techniques so you won’t experience pain. Many nervous patients find that after one visit with us, their dental fears decrease significantly.

How long will my crown last?

Dental crowns are designed to be long-lasting restorations. On average, a well-made crown can last 10 to 15 years – and often much longer – provided you maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Some types of crowns (e.g. gold or high-strength zirconia) might last 20+ years. The lifespan of a crown also depends on factors like: the amount of biting force on that tooth, whether you grind your teeth, and how well you keep the tooth and gum around it clean. We will give you specific advice to maximize the life of your crown. Many patients never need to replace a crown for decades. If a crown does wear down or an issue arises, we’ll catch it early during your exams. Think of your crown as an investment – take care of it, and it will take care of your tooth!

Dental Crowns in Bermondsey, London SE1