Crown and bridge work

The crown is the visible part of a tooth that is (usually) located above the gums. It is supported by the root, which is usually located under the gums in the jawbone. If this crown is damaged by trauma, tooth decay or irreparable discolouration, the patient may require a new crown to restore the look and functionality of the tooth. This requires enough space to be created by the dentist so that the dental technician can create a shape that means the new crowns are not too thick or convex, and which allows the crowns to fit within the remaining teeth. 

The materials that are now available ensure that the reduction in space is much less than in the past and there is a lower risk of nerve damage with this type of treatment. A properly manufactured crown can last more than 20 years in some cases, but, as always, depends on good daily oral hygiene to avoid new problems arising at the crown margin or roots of the tooth.

When one or more teeth are lost or removed and the patient wishes to have them replaced, we usually choose implants. However, in some cases, the patient may not want this treatment, or the treatment itself is not possible (due to financial reasons, risk factors, unfavourable location, or insufficient bone is available). 

When the gap vacated by the lost tooth is bounded by at least 2 good teeth (and roots) in front of and behind this gap, the dentist may suggest fitting a bridge. This means that crowns are positioned on the teeth before and after the gap; these are then bonded together as 1 bridge and thus cemented firmly over the existing gap. 

The main disadvantages with this are the fact that a reduction needs to take place, which carries the risk of nerve damage and the critical need to care for those teeth (known as abutment teeth) that serve as the bridge ‘pillars’. In fact, if 1 of these pillars were to become damaged or fall out, the entire bridge often fails.