What are dental crowns?
Porcelain tooth crowns (or caps) are cosmetically and functionally one of the best solutions for treating a severely decayed or damaged tooth. Crowns are a full-coverage restoration used to replace missing tooth structure and recreate the look and feel of a healthy natural tooth. A crown is usually made of porcelain or ceramic material.
Who is suitable for a dental crown?
Dental crowns are suitable for individuals with a range of dental conditions. The following are the most common reasons to consider a dental crown:
- To rebuild or strengthen a weak or heavily restored tooth
- To change the appearance of your tooth
- Following a root canal treatment to protect the tooth
- After trauma or fracture of a tooth.
What does the process of getting a dental crown involve?
Getting a dental crown will involve at least two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will examine the affected tooth and prepare it for the crown.
- The next appointment will be for the preparation of the tooth. A final set of impressions will be taken to be sent to our in-house dental lab, the tooth shade-matched, and a temporary crown will be placed.
- At the final appointment, your dentist will check the fit and appearance of the crown and ensure that you are happy with the appearance before cementing it in place.
- Further appointments may be needed to review the crown, and it will be checked at your regular dental check-ups.
What is a dental bridge?
Dental bridges are a cosmetic and functional solution if you have a gap created by one or more missing teeth. They can help to improve the appearance of your smile and restore the function of the mouth to allow for easier chewing or even speaking.
A bridge is a fixed prosthetic device cemented onto the existing teeth on either side of a gap. A crown that will replicate the missing tooth or teeth is joined to crowns made to fit over the neighbouring teeth. This creates the ‘bridge’ support that fills the gap in your mouth.
What does the process of getting a dental bridge involve?
Fitting your dental bridge will involve at least two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth beside the gap, removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.
- Your dentist will send impressions of your teeth to our in-house dental laboratory to custom-make the bridge for your mouth.
- After your existing teeth are prepared, your dentist will make a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth and gums.
- At the next appointment, your dentist will replace your temporary bridge with a permanent one. It will be permanently cemented into place to bridge the gap in your mouth.
How do I care for my crown or bridge?
Whether you have had a permanent or temporary crown or bridge placement, it is important that you take special care by following these guidelines until the anaesthetic wears off:
- You can continue to eat and brush your teeth as usual.
- Avoid hard, chewy or sticky foods.
- Try chewing food on the opposite side of the mouth.
- Avoid flossing next to the temporary crown or bridge.