CROWNS

A dental crown is a “cap” over an existing tooth, and is required when there is a large filling that compromises the tooth structure, to restore a tooth after a traumatic fracture, after a root canal treatment is completed, for cosmetic purposes, and other reasons. If your dental professional advises you for a crown, typically during the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth by trimming the tooth to allow for sufficient space for the crown. A mould or a scan will be taken of the tooth, which will be sent to an external lab where the crowns will be fabricated. While waiting for the final crown to be made, a temporary crown will be placed over your existing tooth to protect it. On the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown, and cement the final crown in place. Our dental clinic also provides “same-day crowns”, where we mill the crowns in our clinic, and you will have to return to the clinic at a later time in the day after the crown is completed for the cementation. This reduces the waiting time for a crown.

BRIDGES

A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth, by using the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth as a support. These natural teeth used to support the bridge are called abutments. The crowns are attached to a false tooth, also known as a pontic, and will be cemented down to your abutment teeth permanently. The procedure for a bridge is similar to that of a crown. Typically during the first visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by trimming them to allow for sufficient space for the bridge. A mould or a scan will be taken of the teeth, which will be sent to an external lab where the bridge will be fabricated. While waiting for the final bridge to be made, a temporary bridge will be placed over your existing teeth to protect it. On the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge, and cement the final bridge in place. A bridge can also be used on dental implants instead of natural teeth. There are a few options for replacement of missing teeth: implants, bridges, dentures. Do make an appointment with our dental professional to find out more about the differences and benefits between these treatment options.