CROWNS AND BRIDGES

What is a Crown?

• A crown, also known as cap, is a dental restoration which covers and fits over the tooth and restores it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and also improve its appearance.

• there are 3 main types of crowns: porcelain, porcelain fused to metal and all- metal.

 

When is a dental crown needed?

• A tooth is severely decayed and the remaining tooth structure is weak

• After a tooth had root canal therapy (especially back teeth)

• A previously restored tooth which had a large filling already and need to be replaced

• Fractured or cracked tooth

• The tooth is used as support for a bridge

• The above are only some of the common indications for crowns

       

What does it involve during your visits with us at Burwood Family Dentist?

• It usually takes at least two visits to complete a crown.

• At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared to receive the crown. An impression is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where a dental technician will custom made the crown to the shape and colour it needs. A temporary crown is fitted at the end of the session.

• At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is adjusted and cemented onto the tooth.

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What is a dental bridge?

• A dental Bridge is a artificial tooth (pontic) which is attached to a crown on each side. This is known as a fixed-fixed bridge (as shown below) and is the most commonly used bridge to replace a missing back tooth. 

• It is used to replace one or more missing teeth/spaces.

• Like real bridges, there are also other types of bridges used in dentistry such cantilever bridge and Maryland bridge.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental bridges?

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Advantages

• can replace one or more teeth, usually in a relatively short period of time (compared to implant option)

• Fixed in place and feel like or very similar to your own teeth

• Less invasive than dental implants, no surgery is required.

• Less expensive than implants

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Disadvantages

• Cost more than removable denture

• The adjacent or supporting tooth/teeth need to be prepared and shaped.

• If there is an issue with one of the crowns or components, then the whole bridge will need to be replaced.

• does not support the jawbone (unlike implant)