Dental Crowns, Onlays and Bridges
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As well as offering the traditional approach, Larkham House Dental Practice offers expert same-day restorations with dental crowns, onlays and bridges, using traditional and advanced digital dentistry for efficient and precise results.
At Larkham House, we combine traditional craftsmanship with advanced digital techniques to deliver precise, durable, and beautiful restorations — often in a single visit.
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A dental crown is a highly effective solution for restoring damaged or weak teeth. At Larkham House, we offer expert crown procedures to protect and strengthen your teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about dental crowns and how they can benefit your smile.
A dental crown is often required when a tooth is weak, cracked, or damaged. This protective “sleeve” fits snugly over the exposed part of the tooth, above the gumline, to hold the tooth together and prevent further damage. It acts as a shield for teeth that are prone to cracking, as well as for worn-down teeth that need extra protection.
Crowns are also ideal for teeth that have undergone root canal treatments or have large fillings. When there’s not enough natural tooth left to support a filling, a crown can provide the necessary structure. Dental crowns are also used to cover discoloured or misshapen teeth, restoring their natural appearance and function.
Additionally, crowns are essential in some cases of dental bridges. They serve as anchors for the bridge, holding it securely in place and providing a seamless smile.
A crown’s lifespan depends on how well you care for it. While the crown itself won’t decay, decay can occur where the crown meets the tooth. With good oral hygiene, crowns can last 10-20 years.
If you have a root-filled tooth, a post might be needed for support before placing the crown. Posts can be prefabricated from stainless steel or custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. Once in place, the crown is securely attached.
Yes, you can receive a dental crown on the NHS, but only if it’s deemed clinically necessary to restore or protect a damaged tooth. NHS dental care focuses on health and function rather than cosmetic appearance.
Taking care of your dental crown is easy. With good oral hygiene, you can ensure it lasts for years. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups at Larkham House Dental Practice are essential for maintaining your crown’s integrity and your overall oral health.
Choosing a dental bridge offers many benefits:
By filling the gap, a dental bridge strengthens your smile and supports your long-term oral health.
Not everyone is a candidate for a bridge. We’ll assess your teeth and bone structure to ensure a bridge is the best option for you.
Yes, you can receive a dental bridge on the NHS, but only if it’s deemed clinically necessary to restore or protect your oral health. NHS dental care prioritizes health and function over cosmetic appearance.
A bridge’s lifespan depends on how well you care for it. While the bridge itself won’t decay, decay can occur where the bridge meets the tooth. With good oral hygiene, crowns can last 10-20 years.
An onlay is a type of indirect dental restoration that repairs a tooth with extensive decay or damage, particularly when the damage is too significant for a filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. Sometimes referred to as “partial crowns” because they cover one or more cusps (the raised points) of the tooth.
Unlike traditional fillings, which are applied directly to the tooth, onlays are fabricated outside the mouth—typically from materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold—before being bonded onto the affected tooth.
Find out more about onlays here.
Onlays are typically made from strong materials like ceramic, composite resin or gold, and with good oral hygiene, they can last 10–15 years or more.
Onlays are ideal if your tooth has moderate decay or damage but still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown. Your dentist will assess your tooth’s condition and bite to determine suitability.
Minor chips can sometimes be repaired, but if the onlay is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced. Your dentist will examine the restoration and advise on the best course of action.
Traditionally, crowns, bridges & onlays take two weeks to make, with tooth preparation and impressions sent to a lab.
However, at Larkham House, we can use digital dentistry to create and fit your crown or bridge on the same day, eliminating the need for temporary solutions.
At Larkham House Dental Practice, we combine expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver same-day dental crowns and bridges, ensuring you leave with a restored smile in just one visit.
We look forward to helping you get back your confidence — and your full, healthy smile.
