Crowns And Bridges

Crowns and bridges are fixed dental restorations. A crown covers a single damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining to the teeth on either side of the gap. They are used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling, after certain treatments, or when a missing tooth affects biting, speech, or the position of neighbouring teeth.

What Crowns And Bridges involves

Planning a crown or a bridge usually involves examining the teeth involved, checking the bite, and taking impressions or scans so the restoration can be made to fit. The supporting teeth are prepared, a temporary restoration may be used while the final one is made, and the finished crown or bridge is fitted and adjusted for comfort.

Signs of Crowns And Bridges

• A tooth that is cracked, weakened, or heavily filled
• A missing tooth that affects biting or the look of the smile
• Teeth shifting into a gap left by a missing tooth
• A crown or bridge that feels loose, rough, or uncomfortable

What to do right away for Crowns And Bridges

• Call promptly if a crown or bridge comes loose, breaks, or causes pain
• Avoid biting hard foods on that side until it has been checked
• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing
• Bring any loose piece with you to the dental visit if you can

How a dentist may help with Crowns And Bridges

• Examine the teeth involved and the bite
• Prepare the supporting teeth and take impressions or scans
• Fit a temporary restoration while the final one is made
• Fit, adjust, and check the final crown or bridge

When to seek urgent care for Crowns And Bridges

Seek urgent care if a crown or bridge breaks and leaves a sharp edge, the tooth underneath is painful, or swelling develops.

General information on this page is not medical advice. A dentist who examines you can give advice for your situation.

Related emergency dental help

• Lost Dental Crown
• Missing Tooth
• Root Canals

Emergency Dental Services — back to the full list. Contact Emergency Dentist for general enquiries, or call for urgent help.

Frequently asked questions about Crowns And Bridges

How long does a crown or bridge take to complete?

It usually takes more than one visit, because the restoration is made to fit after the teeth have been prepared.

Can a bridge be removed at home?

No. Bridges are fixed in place. If one feels loose, a dentist should check it.

Do crowns and bridges need special cleaning?

They need regular brushing and cleaning around the edges and underneath a bridge, as a dentist advises.