Crown and Bridge Treatments

Please click on the topics below for further information on Crown and Bridge treatments:

What is a Crown?
What is a Bridge?
Why is this Treatment Necessary?
What are the Benefits of Bridge Treatment?
How is the Treatment Performed?
How to Care for a Crown and Bridge

What is a Crown?

A crown, also known as a "cap", is a tooth-like covering used to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth after treatment. Crowns serve many functions: as support when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling; as protection for a tooth that is fractured or broken. Crowns are also used as support structures when a bridge is required.

What is a Bridge?

To replace one or more missing teeth a custom designed bridge is anchored to neighboring teeth. When bridgework is carried out to replace a missing tooth, crowns must be placed on the teeth on either side of the missing one to serve as abutments to hold the replacement in place. Semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain or a combination of metal fused to porcelain are most commonly used to make crowns and bridges. Both appearance and function are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.

Why is this Treatment Necessary?

Losing a permanent tooth, for whatever reason, can cause many serious problems for your neighboring teeth. The remaining teeth may begin to shift due to changes in support and chewing function. The opposing tooth above or below the lost tooth can begin to move out of its socket, which can accelerate gum disease and further break down the bone structure. If the missing tooth is not replaced, more teeth may eventually be lost due to the improper forces exerted during chewing.

What are the Benefits of Bridge Treatment?

Crown and bridge treatment reverses the negative impact of missing teeth in a variety of ways:

• restores and maintains the natural bite
• prevents unnatural stress on other teeth
• keeps opposing teeth in their proper place
• prevents shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth
• discourages further dental decay and gum disease
• enhances your smile, speech and chewing function

How is the Treatment Performed?

Once crown and bridge treatment is determined, a series of appointments will be scheduled for you. At the first appointment, a thorough oral examination is undertaken, any necessary x-rays are completed, and your dental history evaluated.

When we begin the restorative procedure we first anaesthetize the area to be treated. Next, we carefully shape and contour the tooth or teeth to be crowned to allow the crown or bridge sufficient space for proper fit and appearance. Finally, we make an impression of the area and fit the teeth involved with a temporary crown or bridge to protect them until your next appointment.

At the following appointment, we evaluate the final crown or bridge for proper fit before placing it permanently making final adjustments if necessary. Other factors we consider at this time include:

• aesthetics - color match and appearance
• function - chewing and biting accuracy
• tissue compatibility - the contour of the bridge must conform to the surrounding tissue in a natural, healthy position.

How to Care for a Crown and Bridge?

Along with regular dental hygiene appointments, daily flossing and twice daily brushing will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

To make the most of your investment, it's important that you follow our recommendations - including diet adjustment. We recommend avoiding sticky foods like caramels, gum and taffy, and crunchy foods like hard candy. And please, don't chew ice cubes!

Please feel free to contact us for your oral health care needs!