Alright, full disclosure: I didn’t even know what a dental crown was until I needed one. I just thought, “Ah, great, another tooth drama.” But after a not-so-fun crack in one of my molars (thanks to an overly enthusiastic popcorn incident), I found myself thrown into the wonderful world of dental crowns in London.
And let me tell you, I learned a lot—mostly the hard way. I’m not a dentist, obviously, but I am someone who’s now got a crown and a bunch of notes I wish I’d had beforehand. So if you’re heading into crown territory, or already have one and want to make sure it doesn’t become your next dental horror story, here are 10 things I wish someone had told me from the start.
1. Choose the Right Clinic, Not Just the Closest One
Seems obvious, right? But when you’re in pain and just want the problem gone, it’s tempting to go with the first place that pops up when you search “dental crown London price.” I did that with a different clinic years ago. The crown didn’t fit right, felt weird when I bit down, and eventually cracked.
This time, I did my research and ended up at Piccadilly Dental. Genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve made for my teeth. They took the time to get it right, explained all my options (not in dental gibberish), and actually listened to my concerns.
2. Ask What Type of Crown You’re Getting
All crowns are not created equal. I didn’t realise there were so many types—porcelain, metal, zirconia, ceramic. Some are stronger, some look more natural, and the costs can vary a lot.
If you care about aesthetics (like if it’s for a front tooth), porcelain or ceramic might be your best bet. But if it’s a back molar doing all the heavy lifting when you chew, durability might matter more than looks. I went with zirconia for strength—because I chew like a goat apparently.
3. Watch What You Eat After Placement (Seriously)
I thought I was being careful. I avoided sticky stuff, didn’t chew on ice, and stayed away from caramel. But I still managed to bite down on a rogue popcorn kernel and felt this awful little crunch. Not the satisfying kind.
You’ve gotta be extra mindful after your crown is placed, especially in the first few days. Let it settle. Avoid chewing directly on it when you can. Skip anything super hard, super crunchy, or basically anything you wouldn’t want near a slightly sensitive tooth.
4. Don’t Skip the Follow-Up Appointment
I know, life gets busy. But that check-up isn’t just a box to tick—it’s to make sure the crown fits well and that your bite isn’t off. Even a tiny misalignment can mess with your jaw over time or cause the crown to wear unevenly.
I went back to Piccadilly Dental about two weeks after mine was placed, and they made a couple of small adjustments that made a huge difference. Like, my bite felt normal again and I stopped clenching without even realising it.
5. Floss Like You Mean It (But Carefully)
I used to avoid flossing near my crown because I was scared it would loosen or pop off. Turns out, that’s the worst thing you can do.
Flossing is essential to keep the gum around your crown healthy. Just slide the floss in gently and pull it out the side rather than yanking it back up. That was a game-changer for me, and I haven’t had a single gum issue since.
6. Get Real About Costs Upfront
Let’s be honest: dental crown cost in London can be… a lot. But it shouldn’t be a mystery. One of the reasons I chose Piccadilly Dental was because they were super upfront about pricing, and didn’t try to sneak in a bunch of extras.
Depending on the material and complexity, the dental crown London price can range anywhere from £500 to over £1,000. So ask. Get a breakdown. And don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if something feels off.
7. Stop Using Your Teeth as Tools
I was a lifelong packet-tearer and bottle-cap biter. Old habits die hard. But yeah, if you’ve got a crown? Just don’t.
That kind of pressure can cause the crown to shift, crack, or even pop off entirely. I now carry a tiny pair of scissors in my bag (yes, I’ve become that person), and honestly, it’s saved me from doing something dumb more times than I can count.
8. Be Honest About Grinding or Clenching
Even if you only grind your teeth “a little” at night, your crown will feel it. I didn’t even realise I clenched until my dentist pointed out the signs—wear patterns, tension in my jaw, that kind of thing.
I ended up getting a night guard, and it’s been a game-changer. Took a few nights to get used to it, but it’s saved me from probably cracking the crown in my sleep.
9. Don’t Ignore Sensitivity—It’s Not “Normal” Forever
A little bit of sensitivity after getting a crown is common, but if it sticks around for weeks or gets worse, don’t just suffer through it. I waited way too long to say something because I figured it would settle on its own. Spoiler: it didn’t.
Turned out my crown needed a small adjustment because it was putting pressure on the nerve. One tweak later and boom—pain gone. So if something feels off, say something.
10. Find a Dentist Who Actually Cares (Yes, They Exist)
Honestly, this might be the most important one. When you’re getting something as involved (and permanent-ish) as a crown, you need someone who’s not just rushing through their day, trying to hit appointment quotas.
I had such a good experience at Piccadilly Dental Clinic because they genuinely gave a damn. They weren’t just sticking a cap on and shooing me out the door. They explained what was happening, asked about my concerns, and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way.
That kind of care makes all the difference—not just for crowns, but for your whole dental experience.
Final Thoughts: It’s Your Tooth. Treat It Like It Matters.
Getting a crown isn’t a casual thing—it’s a commitment. But with the right prep, the right dentist, and a little extra attention to what you’re doing day-to-day, you can avoid a whole bunch of unnecessary drama.
So yeah, do your research, ask the questions, protect your investment (because let’s be real, London dental crowns aren’t cheap), and for the love of your teeth—stop opening crisp packets with your mouth.
