Crowns and Bridges in Hamilton

A dental crown, whether made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or plastic, is shaped to fit over a damaged tooth. Its purpose is not only to restore the appearance but also to reinforce the strength of the original tooth. Once placed, the crown encases the tooth entirely after being cemented into position.

Dr. Gabriel might recommend a crown for various reasons, including covering a dental implant, a discolored tooth, or one with an irregular shape. Additionally, crowns can provide support for a bridge that replaces one or more missing teeth. Besides enhancing aesthetics, crowns serve the practical function of strengthening weakened or at-risk natural teeth, possibly due to large fillings.

A dental bridge, comprised of a false tooth known as a pontic anchored between two adjacent crowns, can be placed on your existing teeth or implants. Dr. Gabriel may suggest a bridge to replace missing teeth, benefiting patients by restoring their smile, maintaining facial structure, improving chewing and speech, preventing misalignment of existing teeth, and ensuring a natural bite without causing excessive wear on healthy teeth.

Crowns can be crafted from materials like ceramic, porcelain, gold or alloys, porcelain fused to metal, or resin. Similarly, bridges and points can be made from porcelain, alloys, gold, or even a combination of these materials. Depending on the durability, aesthetics, and potential sensitivities to certain metals, the choice of crown material is selected.

Typically, at least two appointments are necessary to complete a crown or bridge procedure. During the initial visit, X-rays are taken to assess the tooth’s condition. Subsequently, the tooth is numbed, prepared, and impressions are taken for custom-made crowns or bridges. Temporary crowns are placed until the permanent ones are ready.

For bridges, the surrounding teeth are filed down to fit the crowns that will support the pontic. The permanent crowns are affixed, and the pontic is attached to these crowns, possibly requiring up to three visits for completion.