a crown is a ‘cap’ for the tooth that is made in a laboratory, and it is designed to repair and replace tooth structure that has been lost as a result of tooth decay or trauma.
they are the preferred alternative to more traditional fillings made of amalgam, and offer better support and strength to the remaining tooth structure. they can be constructed from many different types of materials from metals, including gold, to more cosmetic porcelains. they can be made in the same colour and texture as your natural tooth so that they appear as cosmetically pleasing as possible.
frequently asked questions
why should I have a crown and not a normal filling?
sometimes there isn’t enough tooth to support a filling, or a filling won’t be strong enough to support what little tooth remains. in such cases, it is better to have a crown to prevent further breakdown of the tooth and give it much-needed strength.
my dentist has recommended a crown after my root canal treatment but do i really need it?
yes – teeth that have had root canal treatment are often weak in structure and prone to breaking down over time – the crown will offer it the strength it needs to hold itself together as well as help prevent an infection from creeping back into the tooth by acting as an additional physical barrier.
do i need crowns to improve the appearance of my front teeth?
if they are discoloured, broken down or misshapen, we may sometimes recommend a crown to go on them. but we will consider less risky and more conservative alternatives first like tooth whitening, veneers or teeth straightening.
can i get a tooth-coloured crown on the NHS?
we tend to put tooth-coloured crowns on the teeth that are towards the front of your mouth on the NHS. on the back teeth, however, where the cosmetic need is less important, on back teeth, we will place metal crowns. the difference between metal and porcelain crowns is simply cosmetic so, unless there is the reason you cannot have a metal crown other than cosmetic on a back tooth, you may be asked to pay for it privately.
“Wonderful hygienist Remya Nair, I highly recommend. Also big thank you to dentist Winto and nurse Molly - I had a tooth filling and it… ”
kate nikitina
“Remya and her colleague, Cloe, gave me excellent cleaning treatment. Remya was very thorough and gentle. I felt she has real experience. All through the… ”
Jane Hunt
“I cannot express how grateful I am to this practice and how deeply satisfied I am with the work they've done so far. From the… ”
faye gentile
“I've been a patient here for a very long while. I cannot speak more highly of all the staff. I have new dentist - she's… ”
kate curry
“Had a filling and teeth clean today. Always very friendly and professional, the filling didn’t hurt at all and they matched my teeth colour very… ”
simon jones
“Thank you to Winto Lau and his dental nurse for the visits I have just had…. You were both professional and friendly and talked me… ”
I had my very first fillings ever and was really nervous for my appointment, but my dentist Dr. Aparna and her nurse Dominika were so gentle and reassuring during the appointment! Very lovely ladies and I'm thankful to the reception team Gabi, Alex, and Izzy for being so helpful and squeezing me into the busy day last minute!
Abby and CJ are the best dentists I have had so far. Super professional, offer amazing advice for things I am not happy about in my smile, and not pushy with trying to sell things. Abby did an amazing job on my teeth that I have hated for decades! Super thoughtful and always checking I am ok. 100% would recommend!
Kind, friendly and welcoming staff (including reception) and atmosphere. Our family managed to sign up as NHS patients which was a big milestone for us as nowadays it seems pretty difficult to find a good and reliable dentist that offers NHS treatments.Our first encounters were also pleasant and the experience with the dentist is smooth so far.The prices are average: I did not notice them to be much lower or higher than the average.Convenient location and easy parking in Grafton centre, including plenty of bike racks nearby.Our family can recommend it.
Have undergone a series of appointments with Dr Abigail Hunter recently. Her expertise and care is highly professional yet considerate and understanding. I felt fully involved and consulted at every stage of the treatment, with Abigail explaining each procedure clearly.The reception staff are are friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this practice.
I've been a client of Midsummer Dental practice for a few years and, although a trip to the dentist is not top of my list of fun things to do, Dr Arpana Vidyshankar and her dental nurse Dominika are amazing! They are always friendly, considerate and professional. I feel very lucky having found this fabulous dental practice.
Just been for my second appointment with Dr. Abigail Hunter and her assistant who were absolutely brilliant. I felt like they were extremely good at their jobs and were very considerate. They did not rush anything and took their time to explain each part of the treatment, even helping calming my nerves.The reception staff are also exceptionally helpful; and nothing was too much bother.Would highly recommend this practice.
Wow what a fantastic first time visit to the practice. I was greeted with big smiles and made to feel welcome from the minute I entered the premises. As a very nervous patient that made me feel like a valued patient.Then to the nerve wracking bit... the dentist, the warmth continued as I was greeted by Abi and her nurse Chloè.
Absolutely brilliant dentist. Aparna in particular is so gentle and has made the whole experience for me and my children so pleasant and not stressful at all. Amber is also so lovely, friendly and professional.
I recently received treatment from Dr Crocker. I cannot praise him more highly. I am normally a nervous patient. He was very kind, gentle and thorough. He has dispelled my nerves a great deal so I recommend him 100%
After two visits as a new patient, I am thoroughly impressed with the exceptional professionalism of Dr. Abigail Hunter and her assistant. They've not only made my teeth look brand new but also exhibited a level of expertise, friendliness, and reassurance that sets this dental practice apart. Highly recommend their services.
On hearing that my long standing hygienist had left the practice, I was extremely nervous about having to see someone new. Managed to work myself up into a tizzy, but both hygienist Phoebe, and Chloe were wonderful. They were both very empathic, and great at calming me down. Thank you both, I shall not be so worried next time.
Had my first check up and hygiene appointment today! Lovely and welcoming team all round!!Really was made to feel at ease and reassured me all the time. Felt very relaxed - which is an accomplishment when you're a bit nervous at the dentist!Will be looking forward to taste the Cherry 🍒 (not Orange 🍊) polish next time! 😀
I had my Invisalign treatment with Winto over the past year. He's done an absolutely stellar job in transforming my smile and dental health in general, where I previously had lots of overcrowding. His dental nurse, Ruta, has also been outstanding in making me feel as comfortable as possible during my procedures. I really felt like I received a 5-star treatment, would absolutely recommend!
After hearing many great things about this dental surgery, I managed to become a patient of theirs a couple of months ago and I have to say they are head and shoulders above any dental surgery I have visited previously. From call handling to getting you in quickly - even calling to let me know my crown was in early and getting me in the next day for fitting. Abigail Hunter is my dentist, she's professional, courtess, explains everything clearly and speaks with great clarity she is the datum from whom other dentists should be judged.
Had my appointment today with Dr Shah and her assistant , I was very scared I might be in pain there is nothing worst than tooth pain , as soon as I arrived a lovely young lady welcomed me at the reception named Gabriele I was 20 minute early she quickly get me seated I thought I will be waiting like 20 minuets as soon as I arrived I got called in . I had 3 filling dr shah quickly help me get relaxed , got my anaesthetic to numb my mouth and started to work she dident complained how long it take and I can tell she had a hard job to do . Keep asking if I was okay always told me what she is doing once she has finished I got dressed she asked me if I have any question than to book my check up downstairs . I went down another lovely young lady welcomed me called Isabelle . Very friendly told me if I have any question just give them a call or email . Then she booked me in for my check up in 6 month .(now I’m happy to go back, without being scared of a dentist 😁 )thank you for helping me .
Excellent experience at Midsummer Dental in Cambridge. Dr Neha Shah and her assistant Shelby are both great. Front of house team are very good too. All very friendly and efficient.
I am (well was!) terrified of the dentist and have avoided going for years. 13 years to be exact. But that changed thanks to Dr Abigail Hunter. She’s really calming, patient and incredibly sweet. I had two very large and old fillings removed and replaced in one visit. I felt in control and completely included in every step. The injections were painless as they as the procedure and now the next day I’m still not experiencing any discomfort of any kind. I’m very happy that I took the “leap” and have found this gem of a practice!
Fantastic dentist establishment. I can say I was terrified by a previous dental practise and had been putting off visiting another dentist for years! I’m so glad I came to Midsummer dental and can say they have restored my faith. I left in no pain, no anxiety or panic attacks due to the exceptional understanding, care, professionalism and step-by-step constant reassurance and checking on my well being during my visit. 100% recommended to anybody especially the nervous types 😁
Fantastic treatment I've received since joining this dental practice.The staff are always polite and helpful and supportive.My dentist Abigail Hunter has a lovely and friendly approach also she explains so clearly the work she needs to carry out.I would definitely recommend Abigail to anyone looking for a dentist, She is first class.
Excellent practice everyone was very friendly and welcoming and communication throughout my treatment brilliant at every stage. My dentist Dr Lau explained my invisalign treatment and was happy to answer any questions giving me all the time needed to check I was comfortable and happy with the process. His care was outstanding and the final results amazing.
I can highly recommend Midsummer Dental for their very friendly and professional approach. I recently attended for an annual check up. I was greeted by Izzy at reception with a big smile and made to feel welcome and relaxed. Bal is an excellent dentist who made me feel at ease and suggested I didn’t need to come in for another year unless I had any problems after checking my teeth. So I didn’t feel pressurised to book any further treatments. Thank you to Scarlett, the dental nurse, who was so friendly and chatty and professional.I’m really happy with my experience and have no hesitation in recommending this dental practice.
Have recently had nothing but positive experiences at this surgery. My dentist Dr Neha Shah was lovely and completely put me at ease throughout my treatments and ALL of the staff that I had contact with were professional and friendly including the receptionists and the dental nurses. This surgery has vastly improved and it shows in every way!
I would like to review the work of a dentist, a dental nurse and a hygienist at this practice. Eman is an outstanding young dentist. She is very professional, knowledgeable, intelligent, thoughtful, kind and gentle, I am very happy to recommend her to anyone at all who is seeking a high quality and caring dentist who demonstrates empathy and thoughtfulness as well as a high level of skill. She sorted-out a chronic, difficult and painful dental problem I had last year which a previous dentist had said was not possible to deal with. She was also able to make a referral for me to a NHS specialist for a different and complex endontics issue. Liv, the dental nurse, is another excellent and kind professional at this practice. She is warm, communicative, friendly and very good at her job. I always hope that it will be Liv as the dental nurse when I visit as I feel like I am in safe and kind hands. Lastly, Kate, the hygienist is the only hygienist I would ever want myself or any of my family to visit for any type of cleaning or specialist polishing. She is highly knowledgeable and really outstandingly excellent at her job. She also always provides high quality follow-up advice and signposting in a kind and diplomatic way. Eman, Kate and Liv genuinely care about their patients and are a truly outstanding team of genuinely caring professionals. I feel very lucky to have found them for myself and for my loved ones.
Today I visited Midsummer Dental for a regular check-up with Dr Lau. He is unfailingly cheerful and welcoming, and always takes the time to explain what he is doing and why he is doing it, and to outline my options and his suggestions with regard to treatment. After nearly sixty years of visiting dentists, I know how rare this is! His assistant/technician was also excellent, and together they are a calming, reassuring and professional team.
When calling the practice the calls are answered promptly and professionally. The reception team in particular Isabelle is very helpful in arranging appointment times to accommodate. Emails are always responded to
My dad has been coming to this dental practice for a few years now and he is alway very happy with the treatment he receives. Most of all it brightens his day to see the always happy and helpful receptionist Izzy with a big smile on her face. He’s in a wheel chair and Izzy can’t do enough to make him feel comfortable and relaxed while having treatment!
I saw Dr Winto Lau yesterday for a routine appt. He was very pleasant and kind.Sadly I have a piece broken off a tooth, which needs repair. Dr Winto Lau explained all the options and costs and gave me time to decide which I preferred. I have to consider carefully what to do as - like everybody else - money is tight, and I have to work out what to 'give up' to afford this treatment.Meantime I have made a new routine appt for January.
We just had a family appointment and had an excellent experience- we had a new dentist to us and she was very thorough and both girls on reception were brilliant. Thank you 😊
I had been self conscious about my two front teeth for years, one was chipped and the other twisted. I had them both composite bonded, they look great and I feel much happier smiling. Thanks to Aparna and her team.
Winto was absolutely fantastic with me. I’m dental phobic and was told by a previous dentist I would need to be sedated for wisdom tooth extraction costing over £1000. With the help of Elsie the dental nurse and Winto they had it out before my first song on my playlist had finished. I came to the dentist alone in tears and trembling and now I’m leaving pain free. Thank you so much Winto and Elsie. I would recommend this place to anyone dental phobic, they will look after you like no other place will. Thank you thank you thank you
I had a great checkup today. I had a big filling with a crack in it and thought I would need to have it replaced. But the dentist used very sophisticated x-ray imaging to show that the filling was still good underneath, and just needed the crack filled in. So my problem was all sorted there and then, with no need for anaesthetic or drilling. Very happy indeed. Thank you!
I have seen both Aparna and Winto over the years. Both extremely kind and gentle with me when I come for my appointments. Both make me feel at ease throughout alongside the nurses. Thank you to all for your continued caring approach. It really does make all the difference! A great practice.
Wonderful hygienist Remya Nair, I highly recommend.Also big thank you to dentist Winto and nurse Molly - I had a tooth filling and it was very sensitive, so he added additional anaesthetic for I would feel comfortable and won't nervous. They were very kind polite and professional.
I've been a patient here for a very long while. I cannot speak more highly of all the staff. I have new dentist - she's wonderful, and her Dental Nurse too - I don't feel a thing! My Hygenist is very good as well, teeth have never felt so clean. And not forgetting the welcoming, friendly Receptionists - you're always sure of a warm welcome at Nikolas Burnett - and I count myself lucky to be a patient there. Thank you all.
I cannot express how grateful I am to this practice and how deeply satisfied I am with the work they've done so far. From the reception team to the clinicians, every single member of staff have gone above and beyond to assist and treat me. No ask is ever too great and I've always been treated with care and attention, particularly as a nervous patient. Their new hygienist Remya and her colleague Gabriele were absolutely fantastic and can't thank them enough for their patience; my hygienist appointment went very smoothly thanks to their support. I feel so much more confident about my dental health because of the treatment and advice provided by this practice. Can't reccomend Nickolas Burnett and Associates enough.
Had a filling and teeth clean today. Always very friendly and professional, the filling didn’t hurt at all and they matched my teeth colour very well. Can hardly see it’s there! The best dentist I’ve had in Cambridge.
