A dental crown is a protective covering that strengthens and supports teeth that have been damaged. You may require a crown if you’ve recently had a root canal, have a large filling that’s deteriorating, experience severe tooth erosion, have extensive decay, or need to replace a single dental implant. Crowns safeguard compromised teeth, preventing them from breaking due to regular chewing and biting pressure. Without this protection, the tooth’s remaining structure could deteriorate over time, sometimes to the point where it cannot be saved.

The Crown Procedure

Before fitting the crown, we use local anesthesia to numb the tooth. Then, we reshape and prepare the tooth. A mold of the tooth is created and sent to our lab, where technicians match the color to ensure a natural appearance. For front teeth, we recommend an in-person shade match for the best aesthetic outcome. Meanwhile, we place a temporary crown to protect the tooth. You’ll return approximately ten days later for the permanent crown fitting and bonding. Sometimes, minor adjustments are necessary to ensure a proper fit.

A dental bridge is a great solution if you have a missing tooth flanked by two healthy ones. If those teeth have large fillings or need crowns, the bridge can provide extra support. It consists of crowns that hold a false tooth between them, filling the gap.

The process for getting a bridge is similar to getting a crown but involves preparing two teeth instead of one. The only difference is when we use dental implants to support a bridge for multiple missing teeth, instead of a partial denture.

Choosing a dental bridge is a good option if you prefer not to have a removable denture or are not suitable for a dental implant. However, it’s important to note that bridges can involve some level of invasiveness if the supporting teeth need reinforcement for function.

To ensure your crowns and bridges stay in good condition, it’s important to clean them daily by brushing and flossing. While the porcelain itself doesn’t decay, the natural teeth underneath can still be affected by bacteria. Regular checkups every six months allow us to monitor the condition of your dental work.

For bridges, use a floss threader or a water flosser to clean underneath them effectively. Focus on cleaning along the edges of your restorations twice a day, as plaque buildup can be more common in those areas. By keeping your crowns and bridges clean, you can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay in the surrounding teeth.