Bridges and Crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto an existing tooth or implant. These prosthetic devices are commonly used to cover a damaged tooth or “cap” an implant.
Getting a crown or bridge is a 2 appointment process. During the first appointment, the tooth is either filed down to create space to place the crown on top or is built up with filling material to create a base to support the crown. If there is bad decay in the tooth a root canal may be performed. After the tooth is prepared impressions are taken to make a crown or bridge. The impressions are sent to a dental lab. During the first visit the dentist will create a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown or bridge is being made.
The second appointment is very easy and quick. The temporary crown is taken off and the new crown is cemented on.
A bridge is used to cover a missing tooth. Each tooth on the side of the empty space is prepared for a crown. After which a bridge is created it is then placed over the missing tooth and cemented to the two prepared side teeth.
