What is a crown?
A dental crown is a tooth coloured cap which is placed over your natural tooth.
It is a permanent fixed solution which should preserve your natural tooth underneath, this should feel natural, be functional and look like a normal tooth
Do I need a dental crown?
​
You may need a dental crown if you experience any of the following symptoms.
​
-
A worn or damaged tooth
-
Severe tooth decay
-
Brittle or cracked tooth
-
Discoloured or misshapen teeth.
-
Follow on treatment after a root canal treatment.
​
Do I need a dental crown?
​
You may need a dental crown if you experience any of the following symptoms.
​
-
A worn or damaged tooth
-
Severe tooth decay
-
Brittle or cracked tooth
-
Discoloured or misshapen teeth.
-
Follow on treatment after a root canal treatment.
Step
1
It takes two appointments to prepare and fit a dental crown.
During the first visit, your dentist will numb the area with an injection of local anaesthetic, take impressions and prepare the tooth by removing some tooth tissue to make space for the crown to cover the tooth.
​
​
Step
2
Take some accurate impressions for the laboratory to mill the crown to fit snuggly on the prepared tooth, and take a shade match from your natural teeth.
Then place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it from external factors.
Make a follow-up appointment to have the permanent crown fitted.
Step
3
At your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place, ensuring it is seated well into your bite.
The dentist will give you some instructions on how to care for the crown.
​
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent solution for missing teeth. It can replace missing teeth without having surgery.
It consists of a false tooth with 2 or more full coverage crowns on teeth either side of the missing tooth.
The benefits of having a dental bridge.
Having a dental bridge means you can have the confidence to smile again.
Prevent food from trapping therefore preventing tooth decay.
Replacing a missing tooth can also protect your other teeth and prevent them from tipping over into the space, or moving into the space, changing your bite.
​
​
The cons of having a dental bridge.
​
The cost of a dental bridge is more than having dentures.
Will need to replace in about 7 - 10 years.
Have to file down adjacent teeth to attach a dental bridge.
A dental bridge doesn't take into account mouth changes like bone loss or gum recession.
Step
1
Your dentist will numb the area with an injection of local anaesthetic.
​
Start by taking an impression of your mouth, this will allow the dentist to place a temporary bridge while waiting for the permanent bridge to be made.
Step
2
Your dentist then start by trimming the other teeth to allow space for the dental bridge to fit in.
Take a more accurate impression of your mouth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to make the bridge.
Step
3
The dentist will then shade match your teeth.
Place a temporary bridge and make a follow-up appointment for the permanent bridge to be fitted.
Step
4
At your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and cement the permanent bridge in place, ensuring that it is seated well into your bite.
The dentist will give you some instructions on how to care for the permanent bridge and any follow-up appointment if needed.