A dental crown is essentially a custom-made cap that is permanently cemented over a damaged or weakened tooth, completely covering the entire visible portion above the gum line. A dentist recommends a crown when a tooth is too compromised to be restored with a simple filling. This is typically necessary to restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, or to improve its appearance. Common reasons for needing a crown include protecting a tooth after a root canal procedure, holding together a severely cracked or fractured tooth, covering a large filling where little natural tooth remains, or covering a dental implant post. The crown acts as a protective shield, allowing the tooth to function normally under heavy biting pressure.

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap between two existing teeth. It consists of at least three units: the false tooth (called a pontic) that sits in the gap, which is fused to two crowns (called abutments) on either side. These abutment crowns are placed over the healthy natural teeth adjacent to the gap to hold the entire structure firmly in place. The main purpose of a bridge is to restore chewing function, prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space, maintain the proper shape of your face, and improve the appearance of your smile, offering a durable, non-removable solution for tooth loss.

Dental crowns can be fabricated from several different materials, each with its own advantages regarding strength and aesthetics. The most common options include porcelain or ceramic crowns, which offer the best, most natural-looking appearance because they closely mimic the color and translucency of natural tooth enamel, making them ideal for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a good balance of strength and aesthetics, using a metal alloy base for durability and porcelain layered on top. Gold alloy crowns and base metal alloy crowns are the strongest and most durable options, rarely chipping or fracturing, but their metallic color makes them less common for visible teeth, so they are typically reserved for back molars.

Getting a traditional custom-made crown or bridge is generally a two-part process requiring at least two appointments spread out over approximately two to three weeks. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by filing it down to create a stable base for the crown, takes detailed impressions, and places a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated in a dental lab. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the custom-made permanent crown or bridge is checked for fit and color, then permanently bonded or cemented into place. Some offices with CAD/CAM technology can create and place the crown in a single, longer appointment.

The procedure for both crowns and bridges is performed under local anesthesia, meaning the area surrounding the tooth will be completely numb, and you should not feel any pain during the actual preparation, impression, or placement phases. Patients typically feel only pressure or vibration during the shaping of the tooth. Once the local anesthesia wears off after the first appointment, it is common to experience some mild sensitivity or soreness in the tooth and gum area, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. This temporary discomfort usually subsides completely within a few days.

Dental crowns and bridges are designed to be long-term solutions, and their lifespan depends heavily on the material used, the location of the restoration, and, most importantly, the patient’s oral hygiene habits. With excellent care, most crowns and bridges can be expected to last between 10 to 15 years, and often much longer. Failures usually occur due to decay forming at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth, or in the case of a bridge, decay affecting the underlying abutment teeth. Avoiding chewing on hard objects, maintaining diligent brushing and flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups are essential to maximize their durability.

Caring for a dental bridge is crucial for its longevity because the false tooth (pontic) rests on the gum, creating an area where food and plaque can easily become trapped, which can cause decay in the supporting abutment teeth. While you brush and floss normally around the abutment crowns, you need specialized tools to clean under the pontic. The best method is to use a floss threader, which allows you to guide a piece of dental floss under the false tooth to clean the space between the pontic and the gum tissue. A small interdental brush or water flosser can also be highly effective for removing debris and bacteria from this area. Regular, thorough cleaning prevents the infection and decay that can lead to the failure of the entire bridge.

While crowns and bridges are routine and highly successful procedures, potential complications can sometimes occur. The most common issue is sensitivity to hot or cold after the placement, which is usually temporary. More serious risks include the crown becoming loose or falling off if the cement fails or if there is underlying decay. For bridges, the greatest risk is decay in the abutment teeth, as they bear the extra strain and are more susceptible to wear, potentially jeopardizing the entire restoration. In rare cases, the crown material itself can chip or crack, requiring repair or replacement. Attending all follow-up appointments allows the dentist to address minor issues before they become major complications.

A crown or bridge is generally not placed immediately after a tooth extraction. This is because the site needs time to heal, and the gum and bone tissue must stabilize before a permanent restoration can be fitted. If a bridge is planned, the anchor teeth must be prepared first. If a tooth is being pulled, the patient will typically wear a temporary appliance or a temporary bridge to fill the gap and maintain aesthetics while the extraction site heals and the permanent restoration is being fabricated. Rushing the final placement can lead to a poor fit, discomfort, and failure of the restoration due to changes in the gum line as the area heals.

Yes, a well-made dental crown or bridge should look completely natural and blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Modern restorative materials, especially all-ceramic and porcelain crowns, are crafted to mimic the light-reflecting properties and natural translucency of tooth enamel. Your dentist will use a shade guide to meticulously select the exact color, and the dental lab technician will custom-design the shape and contours to match your natural smile line. The high level of customization means that once the crown or bridge is placed, most people will not be able to tell the difference between the restoration and your natural teeth.