Dental Crowns – What They Are and When You Might Need One
12th March 2026
If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, you might be wondering what it is and
why it’s needed. Dental crowns are one of the most common and effective treatments used
in modern dentistry to restore damaged teeth and protect your smile.
Here at Knightsfield Dental Practice in Welwyn Garden City, we regularly use dental crowns
to help patients restore the strength, function, and appearance of their teeth.
In this blog, we’ll explain what dental crowns are, when they’re used, and what you can
expect from the treatment.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It
restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further
damage.
Crowns are designed to look and function just like natural teeth, so once fitted, most people
won’t be able to tell the difference.
They are commonly made from materials such as:
- Porcelain or ceramic (very natural looking)
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Gold or metal alloys
- Zirconia (extremely strong and durable)
At Knightsfield Dental Practice, your dentist will recommend the most suitable material
depending on the location of the tooth and your individual needs.
When Is a Dental Crown Needed?
Dentists may recommend a crown in several situations.
- Teeth that are cracked, worn down, or weakened can benefit from a crown to
prevent further damage and restore strength
- Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can become more fragile over time.
A crown helps reinforce the tooth and protect it from breaking
- If a tooth is significantly damaged or worn down, a crown can rebuild its shape and
restore normal chewing function
- When a tooth has a large filling and limited natural tooth structure remaining, a
crown can provide long-term protection
- Dental crowns can also improve the appearance of discoloured, misshapen, or
uneven teeth
What Happens During Crown Treatment?
At Knightsfield Dental Practice in Welwyn Garden city, dental crown treatment usually takes
two appointments.
During your first visit, your dentist will:
- Examine and prepare the tooth
- Remove any decay or old fillings if necessary
- Shape the tooth so the crown fits securely
- Take digital scans (no messy impressions)
- A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while your permanent
crown is created in a dental laboratory
At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and your custom-made crown is
carefully fitted and bonded into place.
Your dentist will check your bite and make sure the crown feels comfortable and natural.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental crowns can last 10–15 years or
even longer.
Here at Knightsfield Dental Practice, we always encourage patients to maintain good oral
hygiene to help their restorations last as long as possible.
To care for your crown:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Avoid biting very hard foods or objects
- Attend regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments
Are Dental Crowns Painful?
Dental crown treatment is usually very comfortable and carried out under local anaesthetic.
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the tooth is prepared, but this
normally settles quickly.
Dental Crowns in Welwyn Garden City
If you have a damaged, weakened, or heavily filled tooth, a dental crown may be the best
way to restore and protect it.
Here at Knightsfield Dental Practice, we are proud to help patients maintain healthy,
confident smiles with modern and reliable dental treatments.
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns or book a consultation, our friendly
team would be happy to help.
https://www.knightsfielddental.com/treatment/crowns
Contact us on: 01707329634 or contact@knightsfielddental.com
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