A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers a tooth to improve its appearance and strength, whereas a dental bridge is a more extensive type of restoration to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge includes crowns fused to a fake tooth that replaces a missing tooth.
The indications where you need a crown
- An extensively decayed tooth which doesn’t support a conventional filling.
- A fractured or cracked tooth without symptoms after root canal treatment.
The indications where you need a bridge
- When you have multiple missing adjacent teeth.
- If you need a more permanent solution rather than the dentures.
What materials are used to fabricate crowns and bridges?
The following are the most commonly used materials for crowns and bridges. Additionally, we are certified in providing biological and holistic dentistry services in London.
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Porcelain or ceramic crowns and bridges
The whole ceramic crowns and bridges look almost natural. So, they are more suitable for your front teeth because they match the shape, size, and colour of your surrounding teeth very well.
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Metal crowns and bridges
Even though whole metal crowns and bridges are not the most aesthetic due to their colour, it is an ideal durable material to protect your teeth because they are strong enough to bear heavier chewing forces for a long time without fracture.
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Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) and bridges
PFM crowns and bridges offer patients the advantages of both porcelain and metal. While metal provides strength and durability from the back of the tooth, porcelain will make the tooth look natural from the front with its colour. Thus, most dental surgeons recommend having PFM crowns.
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Zirconia crowns and bridges
Its properties make it an excellent dental `crown material because it balances hardness and elasticity. Zirconia crowns look great and are less likely to fracture than porcelain crowns.
Benefits of crowns and bridges
- Reduce and gradually eliminate sensitivity and pain
- Improve the aesthetics
- Improve the bite and chewing efficiency
- Allow you to eat with ease
- Prevent adjacent teeth from rotating and shifting
How crowns and bridges are prepared?
After local anaesthesia, your dentist will shave down the underlying restoration and part of the natural tooth on all peripheries by approximately one to a half millimetres to accommodate the custom-made crowns and bridges. Then an impression of the preparation will be taken and sent to the laboratory to fabricate the crown or bridge.
After about two weeks, the patient returns to have their permanent crown or bridge fixed onto the prepared teeth.
What can I expect after receiving a dental crown?
You may experience discomfort once the numbness has worn off and the crown is permanently placed. There may also be minimal pain when you bite down on the crown or bridge. Food and beverages with extreme temperatures may cause sensitivity for three to four days.
If you are uncomfortable, you may take over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your dentist. If you’re still experiencing discomfort and sensitivity after a few days, it’s better to visit your dentist to attend to the pain.
Sometimes the crown and bridges may feel too high when you bite down. Please consult with your dentist or request an appointment with one of out top dentists at London Specialist Dentists to have your crown adjusted if you feel the bite is wrong.
