Treatment category
Restorative dentistry in Bishops Waltham
If you have damaged, worn or missing teeth, restorative dentistry rebuilds function and a natural-looking smile. Crowns, inlays and onlays, bridges and dentures, made in modern ceramics and designed digitally, so each restoration fits precisely and lasts.
- Digitally designedplanned on screen
- Colour-matchedmodern ceramics
- Dr Leigh Knowlesleads restorative care
How we restore teeth
Strong foundations, then the right restoration
Repair before replacement
A natural tooth, saved and restored well, is nearly always preferable to an artificial replacement. So we start by asking what can be kept. A tooth that is worn, fractured or more filling than tooth can often be rebuilt with a crown, inlay or onlay that restores its strength and looks completely natural.
Where a tooth cannot be saved, we plan the replacement at the same time, whether that is an implant, a bridge or a well-made denture, so the space it leaves is never an afterthought.
Made to fit, not packed in
Unlike a filling, which packs material into a cavity, a crown or onlay is designed to exact specifications from a digital scan and made in a laboratory. The result fits precisely, distributes biting forces properly, and can last considerably longer than a conventional filling. We use high-quality ceramics that are colour-matched to your own teeth.
Honest expectations
How long a restoration lasts depends on where the tooth sits, your bite, whether you grind, and how well you look after it. We will always give you honest expectations rather than tell you what you want to hear, and every plan comes with a written quote before treatment begins.
Read the transcript
I was born of the generation where people were brought up to be petrified of dentists. In previous days they caused a lot of pain, had no explanation, it was a very scary experience. And suddenly meeting these new young dentists, it's absolutely fantastic. They keep you calm, they give you wonderful treatment. Very sensitive, very caring. When I first came here I needed some crowns to be done and they did them painlessly. Obviously teeth are very important and as one gets older you often need a bit more treatment. Everybody is really helpful from when you first ring to make an appointment. Then when you go in for your treatment the dental nurses are always lovely and as the the dentists themselves. Nothing ever seems too much bother for any of them which is something that's very special.
Patient films
Restorative patients, in their own words
Julia grew up frightened of dentists. Hear how her crowns were done, painlessly, and what it is like to be looked after here.
Read Julia's transcript
I came here a little bit a year ago because I had an old front bridge which was causing a lot of problems when I saw Chris. I was really surprised to find that it was more problematic than I thought because I needed several front teeth removed and bone graft. When I was told all the treatment I needed I felt sure it would be especially somewhere else. And to know that the expertise here and the equipment was really up there with all the technology and all the services they provide. I had some intensive x-rays which showed the problem with the bone receding. Lots of photos so I can see before and after shots. He removed the teeth and did the bone graft and even made a tent-proof bridge for me which was sort of putting in the same afternoon. Even with the tent-free one which was only in for three months it made such a difference and now I've got the proper one in. Yeah, really really pleased.
Common questions
How do I know if I need a crown, an onlay or a filling?
It depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains. A filling suits smaller cavities. An inlay is used when damage is too extensive for a filling but does not need full coverage; an onlay extends over one or more cusps; a crown covers the whole visible tooth. We will explain our thinking before any decisions are made.
What are restorations made from, and will they look natural?
High-quality ceramic and porcelain, colour-matched to your natural teeth. Modern ceramics are extremely strong and look genuinely natural. We avoid metal-based crowns for cosmetic reasons in most cases, and we will explain the pros and cons of each option.
How long will a crown or onlay last?
With good home care and regular check-ups, a well-made crown or onlay can last many years. Longevity depends on the position of the tooth, your bite, whether you grind and how well you maintain it. We will give you honest expectations.
What does it cost?
Crowns and onlays start from £789.95, bridges from £845.95 and dentures from £1,295.95. Everyone's teeth are different, so you will always have a personalised written quote before any treatment begins.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Leigh Knowles (GDC 76315), 14 October 2026.
