Crown (Caps) 

A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth coloured crown) are the most popular. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Tooth has a root canal

What does getting a crown involve?

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom crown. An impression will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.

At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.

 

Post And Core 

Whenever a tooth has had a Root Canal Treatment (RCT), it is almost always necessary to reinforce the tooth prior to placing a crown. Once the nerve and associated blood vessels are removed from the channel in the middle of each root, the tooth will become increasingly more brittle over time. The risk of fracture and eventual tooth loss is almost certain.

If the clinical crown is reasonably intact, a prefabricated titanium post bonded into place may be adequate to provide reinforcement. However, if the tooth has sustained significant decay, fracture or is heavily restored, a cast post and core may be a stronger and more appropriate way to strengthen the tooth prior to placing the necessary crown.

The post and core procedure requires two visits. The dentist will remove all decayed and damaged tooth material as well as any remaining restoration from the exposed portion of the tooth. The dentist will then carefully prepare a channel or post hole up to about 10mm deep in the centre of the tooth, by removing some of the RCT sealer. Next an impression is taken of the post hole and the remaining tooth structure. This impression is promptly sent to the lab technician. A temporary crown is then placed over top of the preparation. The patient usually returns in about 7-10 days to have the custom fabricated post and core bonded into place.

In most cases, after the post and core is completed, the crown preparation is done on that same visit in order to expedite completion.

 

Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.

There are several types of bridges. You and your dentist will discuss the best options for your particular case. The traditional bridge is the most popular type and is usually made of porcelain fused to metal. This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated. In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for several weeks until your next appointment.

At the second visit, you permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit. Occasionally your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.

You will receive care instructions at the conclusion of the procedure. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.