Dental Crowns and Bridges
Restoring strength and shape
Dental crowns and bridges are tooth-colored or metal caps that fit over damaged teeth to restore their natural function, shape, and look. They consist of metals, ceramics, porcelain, or composite resin. Bridges can replace missing teeth and are cemented in place.
Dental crowns
A crown (or cap) encases the entire tooth surface, restoring its original shape and size and protecting tooth structure that can’t be restored with fillings. Porcelain crowns are the most popular, made to match the shape, size and color of your natural teeth; they are highly durable and last many years, though they may eventually need replacing.
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Tooth has a root canal
What getting a crown involves
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. At the first, while the tooth is numb, the dentist removes any decay, shapes the tooth and takes accurate impressions (molds), then fits a temporary crown for about two weeks while a dental laboratory makes your new one.
At the second, the temporary is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and your new crown is placed with careful checks of spacing and bite. You’ll get care instructions, and regular dental visits let us check your new crown.
Fixed bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) way to replace missing teeth, and your dentist will discuss which of the several types suits you. A traditional bridge uses two crowns on the anchoring (abutment) teeth, attached to pontics (artificial teeth) that fill the gap. Bridges are highly durable and last many years, though normal wear may mean re-cementing or replacement. Reasons for a fixed bridge:
- Fill the space of missing teeth
- Maintain facial shape
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restore chewing and speaking ability
- Restore your smile
- Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance
What getting a bridge involves
This usually takes two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, some enamel is removed from the two anchoring teeth to make room for crowns, and an accurate impression (mold) goes to a dental laboratory while you wear a temporary bridge for several weeks. At the next visit, your permanent bridge is checked, adjusted and cemented, sometimes only temporarily at first so your teeth and tissue can get used to it. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits help it last.
Cracked teeth
Teeth can crack from biting hard objects, trauma, or grinding and clenching. Symptoms of a cracked tooth may include:
- Unexplained pain when eating
- Sensitivity to warm and cold foods
- Pain with no obvious cause
- Difficulty pinpointing the location of the pain
Treatment depends on the type of crack; some are clearly visible, others show only on X-rays. Many can be stabilized with a crown or filling, with root canal therapy first if the root is affected. A tooth too badly cracked to save is extracted and can be replaced with a bridge, dental implant or partial denture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a "crown" and a "cap"?
These are restorations that repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth. The material may be gold, porcelain, composites, or even stainless steel. Dentists refer to all of these as "crowns", but patients often call the tooth-colored ones "caps" and the gold or stainless steel ones "crowns".
What's the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
Both replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient. Patients are usually more satisfied with bridges than with partial dentures.
Do I need a root canal just because I need a crown?
No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatment do need crowns, not every tooth needing a crown also needs a root canal.
New patients welcome
Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.