Dental Crowns and Bridges
Protect a damaged or weakened tooth with custom dental crown treatment at Dentist on Paxton.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Protect a damaged or weakened tooth with custom dental crown treatment at Dentist on Paxton.
What is a crown?
Custom-made caps that cover damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength. They provide a natural look and improve the function of your teeth, offering a long-lasting solution for cracks, large fillings, or tooth decay.
Dental crowns are designed to cover and strengthen teeth that have been damaged by decay, cracks, wear or large fillings.
Ever wondered how a crown can completely transform a damaged tooth?
A dental crown is a thin, custom-made cover that snugly encases your existing tooth, adding strength, protecting your natural tooth, and enhancing its aesthetic appearance.
Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain, which is a very strong material that can be matched to your natural tooth colour. However, you will also have the choice of a dental crown made from gold, which doesn’t have the same natural look, but does offer added strength - that’s why gold is usually used for back teeth that can’t be seen when you smile, but do more of the heaving lifting when it comes to chewing.
A dental crown is usually required when your natural tooth is weakened, broken or damaged in some way. For example, many people who have a root canal treatment will get a dental crown placed over the tooth for added strength.
A dental crown can also be an aesthetic treatment for stained or misshapen teeth. For example, if a tooth is discoloured, a dental crown can be fitted over the natural tooth for a whiter smile if standard teeth whitening is not sufficient.
Protect a weak or damaged toothThe key advantage of a dental crown is that it strengthens your tooth, avoiding further damage or issues that could arise due to a weakened tooth.
Improved appearanceDental crowns can cover misshapen or discoloured teeth for a brighter, whiter smile you can be confident in.
Long lastingWith the right care, a dental crown is a long-lasting solution that you can forget about after you get it.
A crown is an excellent solution to several problems and offers a variety of advantages.
If you think a dental crown could be the right solution for you and would like to discuss your options with a dentist, we are here to help.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge fills a gap between your teeth with false teeth, but without ‘implanting’ them into your jaw like a traditional dental implant. Instead, as the name suggests, a bridge connects a false tooth to your natural teeth on either side of the gap.
They can be a good option if you prefer not to have a dental implant, or if your gums or jaw are not in the right condition to receive an implant.
Types of dental bridges
How does a dental bridge work?
The exact procedure of your dental bridge may vary depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, and the type of bridge you get.
Typically, however, your dentist will start by doing an examination and x-ray and treat any gum disease or tooth decay before starting. The site and two abutment teeth must be in good condition to support the bridge.
Next, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth. The dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from each one to make space for the crowns, then make impressions of those teeth to send away to a lab. This lab will create custom-made crowns and a false tooth for your smile.
To finish this appointment, your dentist will add a temporary bridge. This will protect your teeth and gums and help you eat and drink normally until your permanent bridge is ready.
During your next appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and affix the permanent one in place with a special dental cement. They will shape the tooth to suit your bite and ensure you are comfortable with it.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
This cost varies depending on the type of bridge you get, the materials involved, and other factors. Your dentist will be able to give you a better estimate once they have a better idea of your situation and oral health.
Keep in mind, that your insurance may pay for some of the treatment, so it’s worth checking with your provider.
Ready to restore your smile? Regain functionality with a dental bridge and take the first step towards a restored smile. Get in touch with our friendly team to schedule an appointment.
The pros of a dental bridge
A dental bridge is a great way to replace a missing tooth for several reasons:
Avoids an implant
Dental implants are affixed to the bone below the gum line, and some people prefer not to do this procedure. Also, implants are not suitable for those with poor gum or jaw health.
A full smile and confidence
Missing teeth can lead to less confidence, with some people preferring to smile with their mouths closed to avoid showing the gap. A bridge fills this gap with a natural-looking tooth.
Normal functionality
A dental bridge offers full functionality, meaning you’ll be able to eat, drink, and talk normally.
Better oral health
A missing tooth can cause faster deterioration in your other teeth, and tooth movement for the remaining teeth, which means a bridge can improve your dental health.
There are also some other considerations for bridges when compared to other options for replacing teeth.
Traditional bridges sometimes require putting crowns over perfectly healthy teeth
The adjacent teeth that support the bridge will require reshaping and covering, leading to the removal of a portion of their healthy tooth enamel. This heightens the potential for enduring harm to teeth that were initially in good condition. If the adjacent teeth already have fillings, crowns may benefit them.
Maryland bridges can cause damage to the existing teeth and are not as sturdy
Maryland bridges can cause permanent damage to healthy teeth due to the cementing of metal at the back of the teeth. Additionally, these bridges are less resistant to chewing pressure compared to other types of bridges.
Bridges don't correct bone loss in the jaw
When a tooth is absent or removed, the jawbone that previously supported it initiates a process of resorption or dissolution. Unlike implants, which feature an artificial root anchored into the jawbone, bridges are positioned above the gum line and lack roots. Consequently, bridges do not prevent bone loss like implants do.
Bridges may not last as long as implants
The success of the bridge depends on the health and strength of the teeth it’s placed on. If decay occurs under the bridge, if there are gum problems, the bridge can fail.
At Dentist on Paxton, your care is supported by a friendly and experienced team of dentists, hygienists and clinical support staff who work together to make every visit feel calm, clear and comfortable.
From your first conversation at the front desk to your consultation in the chair, the team takes the time to understand your concerns, explain your options and guide you through each stage of treatment. Whether you are exploring clear aligners, braces, retainers or support for jaw discomfort and teeth grinding, your care is planned around your smile, your bite and your long-term oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, getting a dental crown is not painful as your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
It may be uncomfortable to sit in the chair with your mouth open during treatment, but you can put your hand up for a break at any time.
Yes. A dental crown can greatly improve the strength, health, and appearance of your natural tooth. It is a good solution for several issues, so be sure to discuss getting a crown with your dentist.
They may be able to offer alternative solutions such as dental veneers, or explain why a crown is the best option for your needs.
A dental crown varies depending on factors such as the material, how many crowns you’re getting, and the extent of work required to install the crown. Please get in touch with our friendly team for more information.
Getting a dental crown is a common and highly safe procedure. The most common side effects are tenderness around the site following each procedure, which will go away in a day or so and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication in the meantime.
It is also possible to experience discomfort when the anaesthesia wears off. In this case, you will need to visit your dentist as soon as possible, as the crown may need to be better shaped to your tooth. This is not a common side effect but is something to be aware of.
Over time, your dental crown may chip, break, or even come off. This is not common but can happen due to wear and tear, and can largely be avoided with good care. Should this occur, your dentist will either fix and reattach the crown or have a new one made.
Dental crowns are a permanent solution, but they can wear down over time. Typically, crowns will last in the decades, for at least 20 years before showing signs of wear and tear.
Should your crown fail, it is a simple matter of having it replaced with a new one.
Good care, including good dental hygiene habits and avoiding hard sweets or biting hard materials, will help your dental crown to last as long as possible.
With good care and regular check-ups, a dental bridge can last for at least 10 years. You will need to avoid biting down on very hard and very sticky foods to minimise the chance of breaking the bridge or even pulling it off.
You will also need to maintain good dental hygiene to support the strength of your natural teeth and gums, as these support the bridge.
Usually, a bridge replaces just one tooth, but it can replace up to four teeth. It can depend on your oral health and the placement of the gap, so be sure to ask your dentist for the best options.
Dental bridges are quite safe with few side effects, but there are some possibilities to be aware of. These include swelling and pain around the site following each procedure, infection, potential nerve damage, and breakages or slips of the bridge itself.
If you experience any side effects following your dental bridge treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.