A crown is a cap that covers a cracked, weak or heavily filled tooth so you can chew on it again. A bridge is a false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth either side of a gap.
When you might need this
- A tooth has cracked or broken and there is not enough left to hold a filling.
- A large old filling keeps breaking, or the tooth around it is chipping away.
- You have had a root canal. A crown protects that tooth from splitting.
- A tooth is missing and the teeth next to it are starting to drift into the gap.
- You wear a removable partial denture and want something that stays put.
What happens
Exam and plan
Dr. Malik checks the tooth and an X-ray, then tells you whether a filling, a crown or a bridge is the right fix.
Prepare the tooth
We numb the area properly, remove any decay and shape the tooth so a crown fits over it. For a bridge, the tooth on each side of the gap is shaped the same way.
Impression or scan
We take a mould or scan of the prepared teeth and match the colour to your other teeth. A dental lab makes the crown or bridge from this.
Temporary cover
You leave with a temporary crown or bridge cemented in place. It usually stays on for a few weeks while the lab does its work.
Fit the final one
At the second visit we remove the temporary, clean the tooth and cement the finished crown or bridge. We check your bite and adjust it until it feels right.
Cost and insurance
A crown or bridge usually takes two visits a few weeks apart, and the lab fee is part of the cost. Most dental plans cover part of a crown, often with a yearly limit, and some ask to approve it in advance; we send that request. We bill your insurance directly. You see the estimate in writing before anything starts. No insurance? We tell you the cost up front.
Questions people ask
What are crowns made of?
Tooth-coloured porcelain or ceramic, gold, or metal with a porcelain layer over it. Dr. Malik recommends one based on where the tooth is and how hard you bite on it, and you choose.
How long does a crown or bridge last?
Many years, with brushing, flossing and regular check-ups. Like any dental work it can wear or loosen over time, and may eventually need to be re-cemented or replaced.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed for the shaping, and it may be sensitive for a few days after each visit. Nitrous oxide is an option if you are nervous, and we pause whenever you ask.
Should I get a bridge or an implant for a missing tooth?
A bridge is quicker and needs no surgery, but the teeth on either side must be shaped to hold it. An implant leaves the neighbours untouched but takes a few months of healing. Dr. Malik does both and goes through which suits your mouth.
Related services
Book a visit
Not sure whether the tooth needs a crown? Book a first visit and Dr. Malik tells you plainly.