Dr Patrick Kennedy with patient explaining dental implants

Crown and Bridgework

A dental crown is a tooth-lookalike “cap” that is placed over a tooth — it covers the tooth completely and improve its appearance.

The crown, when cemented into place, utilises the entire tooth surface to alter the appearance or to build up something that is too broken down or weak to withstand normal chewing forces.

Why would you need a Dental Crown?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

  1. If you have a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) to prevent it from breaking
  2. To restore a broken or a severly worn down tooth
  3. To hold a dental bridge in place
  4. If you have misshapened or severely discolored teeth
  5. If you need to cover a dental implant
  6. If you want to make a cosmetic modification to your teeth.

Crowns are made from a number of materials including high strength ceramic, a combination of metal and ceramic or a high gold alloy alone. All ceramic crowns made of materials such as Procera can produce near perfect results.

The same technique used in crowns, can be used to fill up the spaces where teeth are missing. This is called bridgework.

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental bridges literally bridge the gap created.

A dental bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth which are supported on each side of the gap by natural teeth or implants with a false tooth/teeth inbetween. This is then bonded into place such that it functions like the original teeth.

The crowns and false teeth can be made from porcelain, or a combination of different materials and look exactly like natural teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crown and bridgework in dentistry involves the use of artificial tooth crowns and bridges to restore or replace missing or damaged teeth, improving both functionality and appearance.

Dental crowns and bridges can help improve chewing ability, prevent further tooth damage, and enhance your smile. They also offer a long-lasting solution for missing or damaged teeth.

Yes, there are various types of dental crowns available, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs.

The timeframe for getting a dental crown or bridge typically involves two to three visits to the dentist. The initial appointment involves preparation, while the subsequent visits include fitting and placement.

Yes, you can eat normally with dental crowns and bridges, but it’s advisable to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that may damage or dislodge them. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for their longevity.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the Crown and Bridgework procedure, and local anesthesia is typically used to ensure you don’t feel pain. Any post-procedure discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

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dental-bridge
Dental Bridge
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Dental Crown