Dental Crowns and Bridges

Tooth Crown and Dental Bridge Treatments

If you need dental crowns or bridges, our experienced team will assess the site and give recommendations based on your desired outcome, overall health needs, and financial position.

If you’re concerned about a damaged tooth or tooth loss, contact Oasis Dental Studio today to book your at our Gold Coast, Pottsville or Brisbane clinics. Our expert team will be able to suggest a specific treatment plan for your needs and feel happy with your smile again!

Who are suitable candidates for dental crowns and bridges?

If your teeth are weak, chipped or otherwise damaged, we may be able to use a tooth crown or dental bridge to restore your smile and your dental health. If you have multiple missing teeth, dental bridges can replace up to four teeth, serving as a comprehensive solution.

Porcelain tooth crowns and dental bridges look completely natural, mimicking the look of your natural teeth to blend in flawlessly. When you choose Oasis, no one should be able to tell you’ve had any dental work done!

When Will I Need a Tooth Crown?

Porcelain crowns (also known as a tooth cap) are long-lasting ceramic restorations that cover a decayed, broken or brittle tooth to strengthen and preserve the tooth. The tooth crown is placed
over the damaged tooth like a cap or sleeve and can restore the function of your tooth.

Once a tooth is strengthened by a crown, its full function is restored. This means no more painful biting, chewing, or speaking. Your new tooth crown will also aesthetically enhance your smile, as it replaces the outward appearance of your damaged tooth which may have cracks, chips, or discolouration from decay.

Tooth crowns are designed to match the opposing tooth aesthetics and height to ensure no change in your bite.

How are porcelain crowns fitted?

Placing porcelain crowns involves numbing the tooth, reshaping it, placing a temporary crown, and finally fitting the custom-made permanent crown. The goal is to restore the damaged tooth’s function and aesthetics, providing a durable and natural-looking solution for tooth restoration.

1. The first step involves numbing the tooth and the surrounding area with a local anaesthetic. This ensures you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist will then start by reshaping the damaged tooth, removing a portion of the outer enamel to create space for the crown. The amount of enamel removed will depend on your personal needs, but it’s usually only a small amount to make room for the crown to fit.

2. Next, your dentist will take impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where the porcelain crown will be custom-made to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. While waiting for the permanent crown, your dentist may place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth and maintain its appearance.

The fabrication of the porcelain crown typically takes about two to three weeks. During this time, you should be cautious with your temporary crown, avoiding sticky or hard foods that could dislodge it. Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist’s office for the final fitting.

3. During the final fitting, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and clean the prepared tooth thoroughly. The permanent porcelain crown will be carefully placed and adjusted to ensure a proper fit and bite alignment. Your dentist will also assess the crown’s colour and appearance to ensure it matches your natural teeth seamlessly.

The porcelain crown will be permanently placed once your dentist is satisfied with the fit and appearance. Your dentist will ensure your bite is comfortable and the crown feels natural when you close your mouth.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity, which is normal and usually subsides within a few days. You may be able to take mild pain medication if needed. If the discomfort persists or worsens, you must contact us for advice.

It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of your porcelain crown. You should be particularly careful in the area around the crowned tooth to ensure there’s no buildup of plaque or food particles.

It’s also important to be mindful of your diet in the days immediately following the crown placement. Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, as these can damage or dislodge the crown. Be cautious with hot and cold foods, as some sensitivity may persist briefly. Over time, the crown should feel and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat a normal diet without restrictions.

What are the risks of porcelain crowns?

While porcelain crowns are generally an effective dental restoration, there are some potential risks. These include the risk of sensitivity, especially immediately after placement, and the possibility of the crown becoming loose or damaged over time. Rarely, allergic reactions to the materials used in crowns can occur. If the tooth beneath the crown develops decay or experiences gum issues, it can impact the crown’s longevity and overall dental health. Proper care, regular check-ups, and good oral hygiene can help prevent these risks and support porcelain crowns in the longer term.

What are Dental Bridges?

We suggest dental implants or a bridge if you require treatment for losing one or more teeth. A dental bridge can fill a gap of up to four teeth as long as there are healthy natural teeth adjoining the gap. They replace your missing teeth and look completely natural. A dental bridge is made of porcelain and aims to replace missing teeth in the most natural-looking way.

The dental bridge will be anchored to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to ensure strength and stability.

When Will I Need Dental Bridges?

If you have missing teeth, dental bridges can be the ideal treatment. There are many reasons that tooth loss can occur. The most common causes are from:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Dental injuries
• Dental extractions
• Wear and tear

Missing teeth can negatively impact your dental health as well as your self-confidence. At Oasis Dental, we often recommend dental bridges over dentures as they are generally more secure and comfortable for the wearer.

What are the benefits of dental bridges over dentures?

Dental bridges offer many advantages over dentures regarding stability, permanence, aesthetics, functionality, and proper tooth alignment. While either option can be suitable for a patient depending on individual needs, bridges are often preferred when seeking a more permanent and seamless solution for tooth replacement.

Bridges can achieve stability and permanence as they are fixed in place, eliminating the need for removal and providing patients with confidence when eating and speaking. They also excel in aesthetics, seamlessly blending with natural teeth. Functionally, bridges provide efficient chewing and comfort, firmly anchored for stability, unlike dentures which can cause speech difficulties and discomfort. Bridges prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting, maintaining proper alignment and promoting long-term oral health.

How are dental bridges placed?

The placement of dental bridges involves a comprehensive process that includes assessment, preparation of surrounding teeth, and the final fitting of the custom-made bridge.

1. First, the surrounding teeth need to be prepared. These are the teeth adjacent to the gap where the missing tooth or teeth used to be. To create a stable foundation for the bridge, your dentist will carefully reshape the teeth by removing a small portion of their enamel. This reshaping process is necessary to ensure the bridge fits securely and comfortably. Your dentist will take great care to minimise the removal of tooth structure while still achieving the desired fit.

2. After the surrounding teeth are prepared, some impressions are taken. These impressions are highly detailed and serve as a precise outline of your teeth, used as the basis for fabricating your custom-made dental bridge. While the permanent bridge is being created in a dental laboratory, your dentist may place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile’s appearance and functionality.

3. Once your personalised, custom-made bridge is ready, you’ll return to the clinic for the final fitting. Your dentist will carefully assess the bridge’s fit, appearance, and bite alignment. Adjustments may be made to ensure the bridge feels natural and functions correctly. When both you and your dentist are happy with the fit and aesthetics of the bridge, it will be permanently fixed in place, efficiently replacing missing teeth.

What can I expect after treatment for bridges?

After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity. This is typically temporary and can be managed with mild pain relievers. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices will be essential by brushing and flossing regularly and being particularly careful around the bridge area. You’ll need to be cautious with your diet initially, avoiding hard or sticky foods that can affect the bridge. Regular dental check-ups are generally required to monitor the bridge’s condition, make necessary adjustments, and maintain quality.

What are the potential complications of dental bridges?

Potential complications of dental bridges include the risk of decay or gum disease under the bridge if oral hygiene is neglected. Over time, the bridge may become loose or damaged, requiring repair or replacement. The surrounding teeth supporting the bridge may experience increased stress, potentially leading to fractures. As with any dental procedure, allergic reactions or discomfort are possible. Regular dental check-ups and good dental hygiene will be important to minimise these risks.