Crowns & Bridges
What is it?
Dental Crown: A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, appearance & strength. When a crown is cemented into place, it will fully enclose the whole visible portion of a tooth that lies above the gum line.
A crown can be recommended for the following reasons:
-To protect a weak tooth from fracturing or to restore a fracture tooth
-To replace a large filling when there isn’t enough natural tooth remaining
-To protect and strengthen a tooth that has had a root canal treatment
-To cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth.
-To act as anchor teeth to attach a bridge.
Dental Bridge: A bridge closes the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is made up of two crowns that are cemented onto each tooth on either side of the space. These two teeth serve to anchor a false tooth or teeth in between them.
How it’s done
- Before a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will be able to fit over it properly. A local anesthetic is used to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain during this step of the process.
- After the tooth or teeth have been reduced, we will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If a porcelain crown or bridge is being placed, we will determine the correct shade to match the color of your existing teeth.
- A temporary crown or bridge is then fabricated to cover and protect the prepared tooth. Temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic and are held in place using temp cement.
- We will then send the impression to a dental lab to make your permanent crown or bridge.
- When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new permanent crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.