A crown is a restorative procedure that can be used to repair a broken or decayed tooth. A bridge is a restorative option that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.
A crown (occasionally referred to as a “cap”) is used to repair a tooth that may have been damaged due to trauma or decay. Also if a tooth has received a large filling or has multiple fillings, a crown may be best to prevent future breakage of a tooth. To complete a crown, the tooth is first numbed and then prepared to receive the crown. A crown preparation involves cutting down the tooth to make space for the crown that will go over your tooth. Typically 1.5- 2mm of tooth structure needs to be removed from the top and each side of the tooth. If there is tooth structure missing or decay present, your tooth may need to be “built up” with a filling before the crown preparation is completed.
A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is completed by utilizing the teeth on both sides of the space where the missing tooth is located. The teeth on the sides of the space are prepared for crowns. These teeth are called abutments. Attached to these abutment teeth are artificial teeth that fill the space. These artificial teeth are called pontics. The abutments and pontics are permanently attached together and the bridge is permanently cemented into place, so it is not removed from the mouth. Advantages of bridges are it restores function (chewing), prevents tooth shifting, and can improve esthetics.
Disadvantages of bridges are that it requires “grinding” down of the teeth next to the space which is particularly concerning if the teeth next to the space are healthy. Another disadvantage is cleansability. A bridge cannot be flossed as your other teeth and will require use of floss threaders, proxy brushes and other oral hygiene devices to clean under it. If proper oral hygiene is not completed under a bridge, decay can occur resulting in the need to redo the bridge and even possibly cause the bridge or teeth involved to be lost. If any of these things concern you regarding a bridge, an implant is another option you should consider.
Do you have questions about crowns and bridges or other services we offer? Contact us today and we look forward to helping you!
