A dental crown, often called a cap, covers a tooth completely. It is used when a tooth is too weak, broken or heavily filled to be repaired with a filling alone, and it protects what is left of the tooth so you can chew on it again.
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining false teeth to crowns on the teeth either side of the gap. At Divine Dental Care in Ankleshwar, crowns are made in metal, ceramic or zirconia, and the dentist explains which material suits the position of the tooth, your bite and how you would like it to look.
What the treatment involves
To fit a crown, the tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic so the crown can sit over it. An impression is taken and the crown is made to fit, usually in a dental laboratory. A temporary crown protects the tooth in the meantime. At the next visit, the fit, bite and colour are checked and the crown is cemented in place.
The main materials are:
- Metal crowns – strong and need less tooth to be removed; often used for back teeth where appearance matters less
- Ceramic crowns – tooth-coloured, including metal-ceramic crowns (porcelain over a metal base) and all-ceramic crowns, which can look natural on front teeth
- Zirconia crowns – a strong, tooth-coloured ceramic that can be used on front or back teeth
A bridge needs healthy, strong teeth on either side of the gap. Those teeth are shaped for crowns, which then hold the false tooth or teeth in between. Because this means trimming the neighbouring teeth, the dentist may also discuss a dental implant or a partial denture as alternatives.
Common reasons patients come in
- A back tooth that has had root canal treatment
- A broken, cracked or badly worn tooth
- A large old filling that keeps breaking
- A discoloured or misshapen front tooth (see also cosmetic dentistry)
- One or more missing teeth with strong teeth on either side
- An old crown or bridge that is loose, chipped or no longer looks right
How the treatment works at Divine Dental Care
- Examination and X-ray. The dentist checks the tooth, the root and the gum, usually with a low-radiation digital X-ray, to make sure the tooth can support a crown.
- Choosing the material. Metal, ceramic and zirconia options are explained, and for tooth-coloured crowns the shade is matched to your neighbouring teeth.
- Preparing the tooth. Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is shaped and an impression is taken.
- Temporary crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made.
- Fitting. The final crown or bridge is tried in, adjusted for your bite and cemented.
Aftercare and recovery
The tooth may feel slightly sensitive or tender for a few days after it is shaped and after the crown is fitted. With a temporary crown, avoid sticky and very hard food on that side, and slide floss out sideways rather than pulling it up so the temporary is not loosened. If a temporary crown comes off, keep it and contact the clinic.
Once the final crown is fitted, care for it like a natural tooth. The edge where the crown meets the tooth can still decay, so brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily. Under a bridge, use a floss threader or small interdental brushes to clean beneath the false tooth. If you grind your teeth or the bite feels high, tell the dentist. When you are ready, book an appointment at the Ankleshwar clinic to have the tooth assessed.
Frequently asked questions
Which crown material is right for me?
It depends on the tooth's position, how much tooth is left, your bite and how you want it to look. Metal is often used for back teeth, while ceramic or zirconia are chosen where appearance matters. The dentist will explain the choices for your tooth.
How long does a crown last?
With good care and regular check-ups, crowns often last many years. This depends on the material, your bite, grinding habits and how well the tooth and gum are looked after. No crown lasts forever.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed before it is shaped, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is common.
Can a bridge be fitted if the teeth next to the gap are weak?
Usually not. A bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth for support, so they must be strong and healthy. If they are not, an implant or a denture may be a better choice.
Will people notice my crown?
Ceramic and zirconia crowns are shade-matched to blend in with your teeth. Metal crowns are visible but are usually placed on back teeth.
Every mouth is different. The right treatment for you is decided only after Dr. Dhara M. Sudani examines your teeth and, if needed, takes an X-ray. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.