DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES
Do you need to repair or replace a tooth?
If any of your teeth have been chipped, broken or knocked out altogether, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Damaged or missing teeth don’t only affect your appearance, they can also impact on your oral health and your ability to eat and speak normally.
When you make an appointment at Sydney Park Dental, our dentists will examine your mouth and may recommend a crown or bridge. Dental crowns can restore damaged teeth to their former shape and strength, while a bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth.
We offer a range of crown and bridge options at our Erskineville clinic, so you can choose the treatment that’s right for you. We’ll also make sure you know all about the costs and risks involved to help you make an informed decision.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Click Here or call us on (02) 8084 7170 to book an appointment at our Erskineville dental clinic. Our friendly team will respond to you within 1 business day.
What are crowns and bridges?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap fitted over a tooth to restore its original or preferred shape.
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth. It’s supported by crowns on each side, placed over the surrounding teeth.
Both crowns and bridges are made from strong, long-lasting materials and may be colour-matched to your teeth, if you prefer a natural appearance.
When is a crown needed?
We may recommend a crown if your tooth is chipped, cracked or otherwise too badly damaged to be repaired using a simple filling.
If a tooth has been weakened by teeth grinding or a dental treatment such as a root canal, we may recommend fitting a crown to restore its original strength.
A crown may also be used for cosmetic reasons, if you want to modify the look, colour, shape or length of a tooth.
Crowns may also be placed over healthy teeth to help anchor a dental bridge.
What are the different types of crowns?
We offer several types of crowns at Sydney Park Dental. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option during your consultation, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Porcelain crowns
The most popular type of crown for their more natural appearance, porcelain crowns can be colour-matched to the rest of your teeth by our dentists, or we can choose the shade that you prefer. Porcelain also has a similar strength and translucent effect to natural teeth enamel, so these crowns are often used for the front teeth. However, porcelain crowns also tend to cost more and are less durable than metal crowns.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconia is a strong, biocompatible material that also has a natural-looking appearance when used for dental crowns. These crowns are becoming increasingly popular, especially as they may be suitable for smaller or badly damaged teeth that have less enamel remaining. However, they can sometimes cause the neighbouring teeth to wear down.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns
Stronger than all-ceramic and porcelain crowns, PFM crowns look similar to natural teeth, as they have an exterior later of porcelain that can be colour-matched by your dentist. The metal core may sometimes show through the porcelain however, which can make the tooth appear slightly dull or grey, so these crowns may be preferred for less visible teeth in the mouth.
Full gold crowns
Gold crowns have been used in dentistry for over 100 years and are still the strongest option compared to other crown materials. However, they’re less popular today, as most people prefer a more natural appearance.
How are crowns and bridges fitted?
It takes at least 2 appointments to fit your new crown or bridge, as the restoration needs to be custom-made by our partner laboratory. These treatments are carried out using local anaesthesia to numb feelings of pain.
During your first appointment, we’ll give you a complete oral health assessment to make sure your mouth is free from problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. If these are present, they will need to be treated first as a priority.
If you’re having a crown fitted, we’ll first prepare the tooth by reducing its size. If you’re having a dental bridge, we’ll prepare the teeth on either side of the gap for crowns that will support the bridge. We’ll then take impressions and digital images of your mouth that will be used to design your custom crown, and fit you with a temporary crown or bridge to wear before your next visit.
On your second appointment, we’ll make any adjustments needed to your crown or bridge and cement or bond them into place.
What’s the recovery time?
You should be able to return to your normal activities on the same day that your crown or bridge is fitted.
You’ll need to take care when eating and drinking for the first few days, as the treated tooth may feel more sensitive. While wearing a temporary crown, you should avoid particularly hard, crunchy or chewy foods, as these could cause it to become dislodged.
What are the risks?
You may feel some pain or discomfort after the treatment, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
If your tooth continues to feel painful or sensitive when you eat after a few days, your crown or bridge comes loose, or you have other unexpected symptoms, make an emergency appointment at our clinic.
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of crown and bridge treatments can vary for each patient, as it depends on the size of crown you need and the material you choose.
Our staff will discuss costs and payment options during your consultation. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have.