Crowns and Bridges Sydney

Sydney dentists (02) 9331 7822 or online appointment

Crowns

A crown is a dental restoration which completely encircles the existing natural tooth and restores it to its natural form. Crowns are most commonly used to strengthen a severely damaged tooth, and are bonded with dental cement. Crowns are also fitted on top of implants to provide a tooth-like restoration.

Crowns come in three main types:

Gold crowns

They are composed of a gold alloy and is mostly indicated for posterior teeth. The advantage of gold crowns is that minimal preparation is required on the tooth. Because of the high gold content of this type of crown, the crown is slightly malleable, being able to adapt to changes in your bite over time.

Metal-porcelain crowns

These crowns are the most common type of crown used today. They are made of porcelain with an underlying metal substructure. This allows for the restoration to have strength and be aesthetically pleasing.

Full porcelain crowns

Full porcelain crowns are the most aethetic of the three. They are able to very closely mimic the natural shadings of the tooth, in certain cases, being virtually indistinguishable. However, they are more brittle, and are more prone to chipping.

Crown treatments almost always require two visits. Initially the tooth will need to be drilled and shaped to form a preparation on to which the crown can sit. After this is completed, an impression of the preparation is taken and a temporary crown is fitted onto the tooth. The impression is then sent to a laboratory where the crown is hand-made and hand-shaded to suit your mouth according to specifications set by the dentist.

At the next appointment the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented into place. Slight adjustment of the crown may be required at this point.

Bridges

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. They are recommended in cases where removable dentures or dental implants may not be suitable. Dental bridges consist of an artificial tooth attached to a crown on the natural tooth on each side of the gap.

Bridges usually come in two types:

Metal-porcelain bridges

Metal-porcelain bridges are the most common type of bridge used today. They are made of porcelain with an underlying metal substructure. This allows for the restoration to have strength and be aesthetically pleasing.

Full porcelain bridges

Full porcelain bridges are the more aethetic option and are the result of newer technology. They are able to very closely mimic the natural shadings of the tooth, but they are more brittle, and are more prone to chipping. As they are a newer technology, long term studies have yet to be published.

Bridge treatments usually require two visits. The initial appointment will consist of crown preparations on the teeth on either side of the gap, an impression is taken and either a temporary bridge or two temporary crowns will be fitted. The impression will be sent to the laboratory where the bridge will be made.

At the next appointment the temporary restorations are removed and the permanent bridge is cemented into place. Slight adjustment may be required at this point.

Side Effects

It is important to note that whenever tooth structure is removed, there is a risk of the nerve inside the tooth dying away which can lead to infection. Should this occur, the tooth may require root canal therapy.

Infection may also occur in the gums around the base of the tooth. This is more common underneath bridges, where additional steps will be needed to completely clean underneath the restoration. Poor cleaning may cause gingivitis, gum recession and may lead to localised periodontal disease.

Allergic reactions to gold or porcelain are rare. In the case of a suspected allergy, early examination is recommended.