A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining false teeth to the teeth on either side of the gap.
At a glance
- Crown
- A cap that covers and protects a tooth
- Bridge
- Replaces missing teeth using the teeth next to the gap for support
- Numbing
- Local anaesthetic while the tooth is shaped
- Visits
- Usually two or more, because the crown or bridge is made in a laboratory
- Cost
- Depends on the type and material. Your dentist tells you before starting.
When a crown is used
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking
- To restore a tooth that has broken
- To cover a tooth with a large filling when there is not much tooth left
- To hold a bridge in place
- To cover a badly shaped or discoloured tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- After a root canal treatment, especially on back teeth
When a bridge is used
A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is fixed in place and cannot be taken out at home. The teeth on each side of the gap are shaped and crowned, and the false tooth between them is joined to those crowns. A bridge can be made from metal, porcelain or a mixture. Your dentist will talk to you about the choice and about which of your teeth can support it.
What happens during treatment
- Examination. The dentist checks the tooth and its roots, often with an X-ray, and explains the options.
- Shaping the tooth. Under local anaesthetic, some of the tooth surface is removed to make room for the crown or bridge.
- Impression or scan. A mould or scan of your teeth is taken so a laboratory can make the crown or bridge to fit.
- Temporary crown. A temporary one protects the tooth while you wait, usually for a week or two.
- Fitting. At the next visit the dentist checks the fit and your bite, and fixes the crown or bridge in place.
Looking after a crown or bridge
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day. Plaque around the edge of a crown can inflame the gum.
- With a bridge, clean underneath the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how, for example with floss threaders or small interdental brushes.
- A crown cannot decay, but the tooth underneath it can, so keep going to your dental check-ups.
- Avoid biting hard objects such as ice or pen tops.
Possible problems
- The tooth can be sensitive to hot or cold for a while after it is shaped.
- Shaping the tooth removes part of it, and this cannot be put back.
- Sometimes the nerve of a tooth is affected and it needs a root canal treatment.
- A crown or bridge can chip, come loose or wear over time and may need repair or replacing.
Other ways to replace a missing tooth are a denture or an implant. Your dentist can explain how they compare.
When to get urgent help
Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with tooth or gum pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Will it hurt?
The tooth is numbed while it is shaped, so you should not feel pain. The tooth and gum can be tender for a few days afterwards.
How long does it last?
It depends on the material, how well you clean it, your bite and whether you grind your teeth. Your dentist can tell you what to expect for your case.
Will it look like my other teeth?
The dentist chooses the shade and shape to match your neighbouring teeth as closely as possible. Materials and shades differ, so talk through what you want with the dentist.
What can I eat with a temporary crown?
Avoid sticky and very hard food and chew on the other side. A temporary crown is not as strong as the final one.
Can I have a bridge if I have no teeth next to the gap?
No. A bridge needs strong teeth on either side. Your dentist will talk about other options, such as an implant or a denture.
Crowns and bridges at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. She will look at the tooth or the gap first and tell you which option suits you. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book an examination. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.