Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth, restoring it to its original size and function. A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by connecting artificial teeth to crowns on adjacent healthy teeth. Both restorations are custom-made to match your natural teeth and provide long-lasting solutions for damaged or missing teeth.

You might need a dental crown to:

• Cover a dental implant
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Protect and restore a damaged, broken, or chipped tooth
• To improve the appearance of a badly shaped or discolored tooth

You might also need a crown if you have a large filling and not enough tooth available to hold the filling properly in place.

You should keep your crowns clean just as you would your normal teeth. Keep up to date with your at-home cleanings and your professional dental cleanings and preventive care.

The crown itself can’t decay, but the edge where the crown joins your teeth can, so it’s important you maintain adequate dental hygiene and care to prevent decay.

Volterra Dental recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, spending sufficient time and energy reaching the back areas of your teeth and crowns.

With proper care and regular dental checkups, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years, while bridges can last 10-20 years or even longer. The longevity of your restorations depends on factors such as oral hygiene, dietary habits, teeth grinding, and the amount of wear they experience. Regular professional cleanings and avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding teeth can significantly extend their lifespan.

Yes, a dental bridge is considered a permanent restoration that is cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient. Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are fixed to your natural teeth or dental implants and become a permanent part of your mouth. However, bridges may eventually need replacement after many years of use due to normal wear or changes in your oral health.

The crown procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment, though you may experience some pressure. After the anesthesia wears off, you might have mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients find that any initial discomfort subsides quickly as they adjust to their new restoration.

Minor issues with dental bridges, such as loose crowns or small chips, can sometimes be repaired depending on the extent of the damage. However, significant damage or structural problems typically require complete replacement of the bridge to ensure proper function and longevity. Regular dental checkups help identify potential problems early, often allowing for simpler repairs rather than complete replacement.