Dental crowns and bridges in Finchley
Whether a tooth has been damaged by decay, fracture or a failing old restoration, or you have a gap left by a missing tooth, a crown or bridge may help restore function and appearance. At 110 Total Dentistry on Ballards Lane we explain all the options clearly and provide a written treatment plan before any work begins.
Lost or loose crown? Call 020 7998 7657 — or see our emergency dentist page.
Protecting and restoring a damaged tooth
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the prepared surface of a natural tooth, covering it completely down to the gumline. Once cemented in place it becomes a fixed, permanent restoration. Crowns restore the tooth's shape, size, strength and appearance, and allow it to function normally again.
Crowns are most commonly recommended when a tooth can no longer be adequately restored with a filling — for example after significant decay, a crack or fracture, following root canal treatment, or where an existing large restoration has failed. They may also be used to improve the appearance of a severely discoloured or misshapen tooth where other options are unsuitable.
When a crown may be recommended
- After root canal treatment to protect against fracture
- Severely decayed or broken-down teeth
- Cracked teeth at risk of further damage
- Replacement of a large or failing restoration
- Aesthetic improvement of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
Crown fees
Porcelain crowns from £490. Exact fee depends on material and tooth position — confirmed in writing at assessment.
View full fee guide →Replacing one or more missing teeth
A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth — called pontics — held firmly in position by crowns placed over the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The whole structure is cemented in place and is not removable by the patient, which many people find more convenient than a denture.
Bridges can restore chewing function, prevent remaining teeth from drifting towards the gap, and improve the appearance of your smile. However, the teeth on either side of the gap — the abutment teeth — must be prepared (shaped) to accept the crowns, which involves removing some healthy tooth structure. Bridges also do not stimulate the jawbone beneath the missing tooth in the way that a dental implant does, so some bone loss over time remains possible.
Bridges may be suitable when
- One or more adjacent teeth are missing
- The abutment teeth on either side are sound and healthy
- You prefer a fixed solution without implant surgery
- Bone volume or medical history makes implants less suitable
Bridge fees
Price on assessment — depends on number of units and material. A full written estimate is provided before any work is agreed.
Request an estimate →Crown, bridge or implant?
Each option has genuine advantages and real trade-offs. We present all suitable treatments honestly so you can decide what is right for you.
Crown
- •Restores a damaged existing tooth
- •Fixed, strong and tooth-coloured
- •Preserves the natural root
- •Requires reshaping of the existing tooth
- •Does not replace a missing tooth on its own
Bridge
- •Replaces missing teeth without surgery
- •Fixed, cemented in place
- •Shorter treatment timeline than implants
- •Adjacent teeth must be prepared
- •Bone under the bridge may resorb over time
Implant
- •Replaces the root as well as the visible tooth
- •Adjacent teeth are not altered
- •Helps preserve jawbone
- •Requires a surgical procedure
- •Longer overall treatment timeline
Your crown treatment journey
- 1
Assessment and treatment planning
Your dentist examines the tooth, reviews any X-rays needed and discusses whether a crown is appropriate. All options, fees and timescales are explained and provided in writing. There is no obligation to proceed.
- 2
Tooth preparation
The tooth is reshaped under local anaesthetic so the crown will fit correctly. The amount removed depends on the crown material and the condition of the tooth. Most patients find this stage straightforward and comfortable.
- 3
Impressions and shade matching
Detailed impressions (or digital scans, depending on technique) are taken and sent to a dental laboratory. If a porcelain crown is being made, the shade is matched carefully to your adjacent teeth at this appointment.
- 4
Temporary crown
A temporary crown is fitted to protect the prepared tooth and maintain your appearance while the permanent crown is made. The laboratory stage typically takes one to two weeks.
- 5
Fitting appointment
The permanent crown is tried in and adjustments are made to ensure the fit, bite and appearance are correct. Once you and your dentist are satisfied, the crown is cemented in place.
- 6
Review
A check is recommended after a few weeks to confirm the crown has settled well and that bite and comfort are as expected. Any minor adjustments can be made at this stage.
Crown and bridge materials
The most appropriate material depends on the position of the tooth, the forces it will need to withstand and your aesthetic preferences. Options are discussed in full at your assessment appointment. Materials typically available include:
Porcelain (all-ceramic)
Closely matches the colour and translucency of natural teeth. Commonly recommended for front teeth and visible areas where aesthetics are a priority.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
A metal substructure provides strength, with a porcelain outer layer for appearance. A practical choice for back teeth requiring a balance of aesthetics and durability.
Full metal
Highly durable and suitable for back teeth where strength is the main consideration and the crown is not visible when smiling. Not tooth-coloured.
Aftercare
Crown-restored teeth should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth — brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes. The junction between the crown margin and the gum is a site where plaque can accumulate, so thorough cleaning here is important. Regular hygiene appointments help maintain the health of the gum around the crown. Avoid using your crown to open packaging or bite on hard non-food items.
Longevity
How long a crown or bridge lasts depends on the material, the position of the restoration, the forces placed on it by your bite, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups. No specific lifespan can be guaranteed. Some crowns and bridges last for many years with good care; others may need attention sooner due to wear, decay at the margins or other factors. Your dentist will discuss this honestly in the context of your individual mouth.
Risks to consider
- • Prepared teeth may be more sensitive initially
- • Crowns can chip, fracture or come loose over time
- • Decay can develop under a crown if oral hygiene is poor
- • A bridge does not prevent bone resorption at the missing tooth site
- • Adjacent teeth prepared for a bridge may require future treatment
- • Local anaesthetic carries standard risks, discussed before treatment
Dr Kozhaya Assaker
Dr Assaker holds a DDS (2002), a postgraduate qualification in Oral Biology (2003) and a Diploma in Oral Surgery and Implantology (2007), with further training in implant and bone-grafting techniques undertaken in Switzerland, the USA and France. He is a member of the British Dental Association (BDA), the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO) and the International Team for Implantology (ITI).
GDC registration number: 176427. Dr Assaker consults in English, Arabic, French, Armenian and some Polish.
Call 020 7998 7657Crown & bridge FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
Crown longevity varies depending on the material chosen, where the crown sits in the mouth, the forces placed on it during biting and chewing, and how carefully it is maintained. There is no guaranteed lifespan. Your dentist will discuss realistic expectations for your individual situation at the assessment appointment.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Root-treated teeth lose moisture over time and can become more brittle, making them prone to fracture — particularly back teeth that absorb higher biting forces. A crown is commonly recommended following root canal treatment to protect the remaining tooth structure. Whether a crown is needed depends on how much healthy tooth remains, and your dentist will advise accordingly.
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown restores a single damaged tooth by capping it. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by suspending an artificial tooth (or teeth) between crowns fitted to the adjacent natural teeth on either side of the gap. Both are fixed restorations cemented permanently in place.
Is a bridge or an implant better for a missing tooth?
Both options have merits and limitations. A bridge can be completed without surgery and typically has a shorter treatment timeline. However, it requires preparation of the adjacent teeth, which are healthy tooth structure being altered. A dental implant preserves the adjacent teeth, supports jawbone health, and can last many years with proper care, but it involves a surgical procedure and a longer overall timeline. We will present all suitable options at your consultation so you can make an informed choice.
What should I do if a crown or bridge comes loose?
Call us as soon as possible on 020 7998 7657. If the restoration has come out intact, keep it safely — do not attempt to recement it yourself. Try to avoid leaving the prepared tooth exposed for any length of time. We will arrange an urgent appointment to assess and re-cement or replace the restoration. For out-of-hours guidance, please see our emergency dentist page.
Will my crown look like a natural tooth?
Porcelain and porcelain-fused crowns are made to closely match the colour, shape and translucency of your surrounding teeth. The shade is selected carefully before the crown is sent to the dental laboratory. Full-metal crowns, which may be used in certain positions at the back of the mouth, are not tooth-coloured but are strong and durable. The most suitable material for you will be discussed at your assessment.
Book a crown or bridge assessment in Finchley
110 Total Dentistry is located at 110–112 Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N3 2DN — a short walk from Finchley Central station on the Northern line. Call us on 020 7998 7657 or email info@110totaldentistry.co.uk to arrange an assessment. A new patient examination is £75 and includes a full discussion of all treatment options.