Restoring Teeth with Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are different options for restoring damaged teeth or replacing missing teeth. At Dentists @ Canning Vale, an assessment can help establish which approach, if any, suits your teeth, gums and bite. The information below is general; a personalised recommendation requires a dental examination.
Dental crowns
A crown is a custom-made covering fitted over a prepared tooth. It may be considered when a tooth is extensively damaged or when a filling alone is unlikely to provide adequate support. Some teeth also need a crown after root canal treatment.
Dental bridges
A bridge replaces a missing tooth or several teeth with an artificial tooth attached to supporting teeth or implants. A conventional tooth-supported bridge usually involves preparing neighbouring teeth. Suitability depends on the gap and the condition of the supporting structures.
Choosing an Appropriate Restoration
Your dentist will consider the amount of remaining tooth structure, decay, gum health, the position of the tooth and the forces placed on it when you bite. Crowns and bridges can use different materials; the choice involves appearance, strength, preparation requirements and cost.
A crown or bridge is not the right choice for every situation. Depending on your assessment, alternatives may include a filling, an onlay, a removable denture or dental implant treatment. Your dentist can also explain the implications of monitoring a tooth or leaving a gap untreated.
What Treatment Can Involve
- Assessment and planning. Discuss your concerns, examine your mouth and arrange imaging if clinically needed. Review the available options, risks, expected appointments and fees before deciding.
- Preparation and impressions. The tooth or supporting teeth may need reshaping. An impression or digital scan records the shape for the restoration. Local anaesthetic and a temporary restoration may be needed.
- Fitting and review. The dentist checks the fit and bite before securing the restoration and explains cleaning and follow-up care. The number of visits depends on the treatment plan.
Risks and Limitations
Tooth preparation removes tooth structure and is generally irreversible. Possible problems include sensitivity, discomfort, chipping, loosening, decay around the restoration and gum problems. In some cases, a supporting tooth may later need root canal treatment or removal. A crown or bridge may need adjustment, repair or replacement; no fixed lifespan or outcome can be guaranteed.
Discuss your individual risks and any concerns before proceeding. Contact your dentist if a restoration becomes loose, your bite feels uncomfortable or pain persists.
Caring for a Crown or Bridge
The teeth and gums around a restoration still need daily care. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth. Your dentist can demonstrate how to clean beneath a bridge. Attend check-ups at the interval recommended for you.
Tell your dentist if you clench or grind your teeth. Bruxism assessment and a nightguard may be relevant to your care, depending on your circumstances.
Costs and Health Fund Benefits
Fees depend on the number of teeth, materials, laboratory work and any treatment needed first. Ask for a written treatment plan and estimate. Health fund benefits depend on your policy, limits and waiting periods; confirm cover directly with your fund. See our informed financial consent information for further details.
Common Questions
Is a crown the same as a bridge?
No. A crown covers an existing tooth, while a bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth and is supported by neighbouring teeth or implants.
Is an implant-supported bridge different?
Yes. An implant-supported bridge is attached to dental implants rather than relying on neighbouring natural teeth. It involves a different assessment and treatment process, including consideration of surgical risks.
Will I need more than one appointment?
More than one appointment may be needed. Your dentist will explain the proposed stages and whether a temporary restoration is required.