Any dentist with good intent will not get upset when they hear that people would rather avoid visiting the dental clinic. After all, big procedures such as crowns and bridges can be quite intimidating, especially if you know little to nothing about them. Even the experience of being told you need a procedure like this can be hard enough to deal with on its own. 

If you are unaware of the differences between bridges and crowns and you want to know more about them, you’re in luck because we here at Weston Dental Office want to point out how these treatments are both unique and helpful in their own way. Hopefully, with this article, we are able to reduce some of your anxiety and make you feel more prepared when you have to get this procedure done. 

What Is a Dental Crown? 

When it comes to a crown, the name of the procedure basically speaks for itself. A dental crown is essentially a tooth shaped crown that lies over your real tooth.  

When your tooth sustains serious damage, such as breaks, chips, or larger than normal cavities, it can be at risk of falling out completely. Crowns prevent this from happening by being placed over top of the real tooth and keeping what’s left of it held together & safe. 

The Dental Crown Procedure 

In many cases where crowns are used, it’s because a root canal is being performed prior. This is especially true when a root canal is done on bigger teeth such as your molars, as without a crown in these areas, chewing and grinding one’s teeth can become a challenge. 

Whether a root canal or a regular drilling is being performed, during this procedure a dentist will remove any decay or damage on the tooth, dry said tooth, then finally place the crown on top. In certain situations, impressions are performed so that the crown can perfectly align with the other teeth inside of your mouth. After all, the last thing anyone would want is to bite down and realize their crown is not levelled to the rest of their teeth properly. In some cases, this will require a separate appointment so the dentists can prepare the right shaped crown for your mouth. Do not fret, however, as in the meantime you will usually get what’s called a temporary crown. 

Since crowns work to match the shape of your tooth and protect it from further damage, it is considered a cosmetic procedure in most situations. On average, this treatment lasts for no more than two hours and recovery usually takes a few days. During recovery, you may feel sharp or dull pains in your tooth/mouth, but this can be alleviated with over the counter pain medication. If the pain persists for more than three days, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.  

The Benefits of a Crown 

Whilst this procedure is considered (mostly) cosmetic, it actually comes with benefits that improve the health of your teeth overall. Not only is a crown one of the most secure dental procedures, but it can also save you money when you compare this to dental bridges. They also provide further protection for your tooth, and do not require any teeth extractions. 

What is a Dental Bridge? 

Although dental bridges are similar to that of dental crowns in material and production, they have a few features that make them different. While dental crowns cover a part of the existing tooth, bridges are a complete replacement of the tooth. A bridge, unlike a crown, seeks to replace the tooth in its entirety (without the root). 

The Dental Bridge Procedure 

The way in which this procedure will be performed will entirely depend on the individual’s situation. Examinations regarding colour, sizing, texture and more will all be done to be certain that this replacement will fit your teeth perfectly. Usually, a bridge examination is a separate appointment that comes before the big procedure to ensure everything is fully prepared for when it needs to be inserted into the mouth. If a tooth extraction needs to be done because of your situation, recovery time needs to take place before a bridge so the gums and bones can fully heal. 

There are a few ways a bridge can be attached to the rest of your teeth, including attachment to your gums, existing enamel or surrounding teeth. The way in which a bridge is secured will depend on your specific situation.  

Just like a crown, this procedure will use local anesthesia and come with a similar recovery period of a few days. The time in which you fully adjust to a bridge is usually within a couple of weeks. Still be sure to contact your dentist if the pain persists, however. 

The Benefits of a Bridge 

When you’re missing a tooth, a bridge is the least invasive & most affordable option to get it replaced. While implants replace a missing tooth just like bridges do, they cost exponentially more. For just one tooth, an implant can be as costly as $6000. Bridges, however? They usually cost anywhere from $800-2000. Even at its most expensive, bridges are usually 3x less expensive than implants. 

The Cons of a Bridge 

While crowns can help strengthen a tooth, since bridges require attachment to surrounding teeth it can actually damage the teeth in question. Not only that, but bridges typically last for only 5-7 years, requiring replacements throughout one’s lifetime (whereas an implant can potentially last your whole life). When in doubt, always talk to your dentist about which option they think is best for your situation. 

How Our Dental Clinic Can Help 

Whether you are in need of a crown, bridge or implant, our Toronto Dental Office is ready to help. With some of the most experienced and skilled dental professionals in the Greater Toronto Area, Weston Dental Office goes above and beyond to help each and every one of our patients feel great about their teeth and their smile. To learn more about how we can transform the look of your teeth and bring them to their optimal health, be sure to call us at 416-247-1928 today.