Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and bridges are often used to address a variety of dental issues, including:

Decay: If tooth decay is severe enough to weaken or damage a tooth, a crown may be needed to restore its strength and function.

Trauma: Teeth that have been chipped, cracked, or broken may require a crown to protect them and prevent further damage.

Wear and tear: Teeth that have been heavily worn down over time due to grinding or clenching may benefit from a crown to restore their size, shape, and function.

Missing teeth: Bridges are often used to replace one or more missing teeth. They rely on adjacent teeth or dental implants to anchor them in place and fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

Cosmetic issues: Crowns and bridges can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth that are discoloured, misshaped, or otherwise aesthetically unpleasing.

Regular dental checkups: Regular dental checkups are important to ensure the health of your teeth and the condition of your crown or bridge. Your dentist can check for signs of decay, damage, or other issues that may need to be addressed.

Good oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene prevents decay and gum disease around the crown or bridge. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Avoid hard or sticky foods: Hard or sticky foods can damage or dislodge a crown or bridge. Try to avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice or hard candy, and cut your food into smaller pieces to avoid putting too much pressure on the restoration.

Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your crown or bridge from damage.

Address problems promptly: If you experience any signs of trouble, such as sensitivity, pain, or swelling around the crown or bridge, contact your dentist immediately.

Follow aftercare instructions: After your crown or bridge is placed, your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for it. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure that your restoration heals properly and lasts as long as possible.

Replace or repair damaged restorations: If your crown or bridge becomes damaged or dislodged, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can repair or replace the restoration to prevent further damage to your teeth.

Porcelain crowns: Made of porcelain, these crowns are designed to match the colour of the natural teeth and are ideal for front teeth.

Zirconia crowns: Zirconia is a type of ceramic material that is often used for crowns. Zirconia crowns are stronger than porcelain crowns.

Metal crowns: Metal crowns are typically made of gold or a base-metal alloy and have high strength and durability.

Porcelain–fused–to–metal (PFM) crowns: PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain.

Temporary crowns: Temporary crowns are used as a placeholder while a permanent crown is being made.

Bridges: Bridges are dental restorations that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. There are several different types of bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges.

Implant-supported bridges: Implant-supported bridges are attached to dental implants, offering a permanent solution for missing teeth.

Assess yourself

The process of getting crowns and bridges typically involves the following steps:

Consultation: During the initial consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine if a crown or bridge is the right treatment option for you. They will also take X-rays and make impressions of your teeth to plan the procedure and determine the best fit for your new crown or bridge.

Preparation: To prepare your tooth for a crown or bridge, your dentist will remove any damaged or decayed tissue, and then shape the tooth to make room for the crown.

Impression: After preparing your teeth, your dentist will take a new impression to create a model of your mouth. This impression will be used to create a customized crown or bridge that will fit comfortably and securely in your mouth.

Temporary crown or bridge: In most cases, your dentist will place a temporary crown or bridge over your prepared tooth or teeth while your permanent restoration is being created. This temporary restoration will protect your tooth and allow you to eat and speak normally.

Permanent crown or bridge: Once your permanent crown or bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and place the permanent one. They will adjust the fit and make any necessary final modifications to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Aftercare: It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, to keep your crown or bridge in good condition. Your dentist will also schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the health of your restoration and your surrounding teeth and gums.

The most common complications include:

Tooth sensitivity: After a crown or bridge is placed, some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This sensitivity should resolve on its own within a few weeks.

Pain or discomfort: Some patients may experience pain or discomfort following the placement of a crown or bridge. This can be due to the adjustment of the bite or the pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums. Over-the-counter pain medication can usually provide relief.

Infection: In rare cases, a crown or bridge can become infected. This can cause pain, swelling, and a foul odour. Antibiotics or, in severe cases, removal of the crown or bridge may be necessary.

Loosening or dislodging: A crown or bridge can become loose or dislodge over time, especially if it was not properly cemented or if the patient has a habit of clenching or grinding their teeth. If a crown or bridge becomes loose or dislodged, it should be re-cemented or replaced as soon as possible.

Decay around the margins: Decay can develop around the margins of a crown or bridge, especially if the patient does not maintain good oral hygiene. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups can help to prevent this complication.

Avoid biting or chewing on the treated area: Patients should avoid biting or chewing on the treated area for several hours following the procedure until the dental cement used to secure the crown or bridge has fully hardened.

Soft foods only: For the first few days following the procedure, patients should stick to eating soft foods and avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that can damage the crown or bridge.

Pain management: Some patients may experience some discomfort following the placement of a crown or bridge. Over-the-counter pain medication can usually provide relief, but patients should follow their dentist’s instructions for pain management.

Good oral hygiene: Patients should continue to brush and floss their teeth regularly to keep their mouth clean and healthy, and to reduce the risk of infection.

Follow-up appointments: Patients should attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled, and inform their dentist of any issues or concerns they may have.

Avoid habits that can damage the crown or bridge: Patients should avoid habits such as grinding or clenching their teeth, biting their nails, or using their teeth to open packages, as these habits can damage the crown or bridge.

At Kigo Dental, we use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that your crowns and bridges are designed to fit seamlessly with your natural teeth and enhance the beauty of your smile.

Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth or missing teeth, we can help restore your smile and your confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how crowns and bridges can benefit you!

All of us here at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible.

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialised dentists who specialize in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilizing the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.