What Is A Dental Crown?
A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape and helping to protect it from further harm. Crowns are often placed after root canal treatment, or on a tooth where a large old filling no longer offers enough support.
How Do Bridges And Implants Replace Missing Teeth?
A bridge fills a gap by attaching a false tooth to crowns on the teeth either side. It can work well when those neighbouring teeth already need crowns of their own.
A dental implant, on the other hand, is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone, where it acts as an artificial root. Once healed, it can support a single crown or, where several teeth are missing, a bridge.
Which Option Might Suit You?
Implants may be considered when you would prefer not to prepare the neighbouring teeth, provided there is enough healthy bone, and your general health allows for a minor surgical procedure. Your X-rays and gum health both play a part in the recommendation, and our dentist will explain the reasoning behind it. Where several teeth are missing, a removable partial denture may also be worth comparing, particularly if you would prefer to avoid surgery.
What Does The Process Involve?
For a crown or bridge, the tooth is shaped, and impressions or scans are taken. A temporary restoration protects it while the final one is made. With a laboratory on site, the dentist and technician can work closely together on fit and shade before the final crown or bridge is fitted at a second visit.
Implant treatment takes longer. After careful planning, the implant is placed under local anaesthetic and left to fuse with the bone, which usually takes a few months. The final crown is attached once healing is complete.
How Do You Look After Them?
Fixed restorations still need daily brushing and flossing, because the gum and the tooth beneath can still develop problems. Small interdental brushes make it easier to clean under a bridge. At your routine check-ups, the dentist monitors both the restoration and the surrounding gum. With good care, these restorations can last for many years, although lifespan varies from person to person.
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