Crowns & Bridges
What is a crown?
A crown is a restoration that fits over the whole remaining part of a tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. A crown is recommended when there is extensive tooth structure loss and a filling will not be strong enough for normal function.
What is a bridge?
Bridges are one treatment method for replacing missing teeth. They are fixed dental prostheses cemented permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. They can be used to replace one or several missing teeth. A false tooth (pontic) on the bridge is fused to two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are cemented to teeth on each side of the false tooth.
How long does the treatment take?
You will need to have at least two visits. At the first visit, your dental team will prepare the tooth, take the impressions, make a note of the shade of your tooth, and fit the temporary crown (if required). At the second visit, your dentist will fit the permanent crown. There will usually be about 2-3 weeks between appointments.
What is a post-core crown?
In root-filled teeth, it may be necessary to insert a post into the tooth root before placing a crown. A post gives support and helps the preliminary restoration of the crown to stay in place.
A post and core can be direct or indirect and fits into the root canal of the tooth. The fabricated crown will then be cemented onto it.
What will happen between visits?
A temporary crown will be placed while you are waiting for the crown to be made. This crown may be more noticeable but is only temporary.
How is the crown fitted?
When you and your dentist are happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown, it will be fixed in place with special dental cement. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in place.
How do I care for my crown?
It is important to keep the crown just as clean as you would your natural teeth. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. So daily brushing and flossing is recommended.
How long will the crown last?
How long your crown lasts depend on how well you look after it. Properly cared for crowns should last for many years.