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Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are a type of restoration used to restore damaged or decayed teeth, while dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is made to fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are composed of one or more fake teeth surrounded by a dental crown on either side. For a dental bridge, the crowns are used to support the fake teeth that “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. Crowns and bridges can also be used in coordination with dental implants and are known as implant-supported crowns or implant-supported bridges. At Birch Point Dental Clinic, we place implant-supported crowns and bridges once the implant has fully osseointegrated. 

Did you know…

All dental crowns have the same basic structure, but there are four different types of dental bridges each with their own structure. The most common are traditional dental bridges, however there are also Cantilever bridges, Maryland Bonded Bridges (not offered at Birch Point Dental Clinic), and Implant-supported bridges. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for a dental crown or bridge?

You may be a candidate for a dental crown or bridge if you have one or more damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Candidates for dental crowns are individuals who have a significant portion of their natural tooth structure that has been damaged or decayed. When an onlay cannot be used to restore the tooth, then a crown is usually recommended. Candidates for a dental bridge are individuals who have one or more missing teeth that are surrounded by mostly healthy teeth on either side. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for a dental crown or bridge, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic today.

What can I expect when having a crown or bridge placed at Birch Point Dental Clinic?

When having a crown or bridge placed at Birch Point Dental Clinic, you can expect to attend two dental appointments. This is because the first appointment is necessary to prepare the tooth and take a dental impression. A dental lab will then fabricate your custom crown or bridge, then the second appointment is used to place the restoration. 

To prepare your tooth for a crown, Dr. Sanket Upadhyay will first numb your mouth to make you comfortable. Then, he will begin by removing any damaged or decayed tissue, and reshaping the remaining tissue. In order for a dental crown to be placed, the natural tooth structure must be reduced in size, which is why dental crowns are usually only placed when the tooth has already been significantly affected by damage or decay. Once the tooth has been prepared, a dental impression will be taken before placing the temporary crown. 

This same process is used to place a dental bridge as well, however it is repeated on both teeth that will be supporting the bridge. It usually takes about 1-2 weeks for the lab to fabricate your crown or bridge, then you will come in for your second appointment. During this appointment, your restoration will be fitted and adjusted as necessary before being cemented to the affected tooth or teeth.

What can I expect after having a crown or bridge placed?

Your expectations will depend on whether your temporary or permanent restoration has been placed. This is because temporary restorations are not nearly as strong as permanent restorations since they are only made to last a couple of weeks. Therefore, after you have a temporary crown or bridge placed, you will want to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to reduce the chances of the temporary restoration being damaged or falling out. 

Since your permanent crown or bridge is made using durable materials, you can return to your usual chewing habits once it has been placed. However, it is recommended to avoid foods that are extremely hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky, since they can potentially damage your restoration. It is also important to properly care for your crown or bridge by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Dr. Sanket Upadhyay every six months for an exam and cleaning. When properly cared for, most crowns and bridges last about 10-15 years.

Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic. Located in the Bay & Algoma neighborhood, our location allows you to have your teeth looked at while also providing the opportunity to shop local and enjoy spaghetti take out at the famous Italian Cultural Centre across the street.

All Treatment Options

same day dentistry thunder bay

Same Day Dentistry

Indirect dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, or veneers are those that are fabricated outside of the mouth

Woman having pain in jaw

Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can occur at any time and often require prompt treatment by an experienced emergency dentist. At Birch Point

clear Invisalign bracket on isolated background

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a clear aligner appliance to gradually optimize the position of the

composite dental filling procedure

Fillings

Fillings are restorative dental procedures used to restore decayed teeth. They are used to fill dental cavities in order to

doctor examining dental x-rays

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are low-radiation dental x-rays that allow Dr. Sanket Upadhyay to take a closer look at the health of

doctor holding mouth guard

Mouth Guard

Mouthguards are dental appliances made to fit over the teeth in order to protect them from damage. There are different

patient receiving dental sealant treatment

Dental Sealants

Since your dentist is mainly concerned with preserving your oral health, they offer a variety of preventative treatments. One of

before and after dental whitening treatment

Teeth Whitening

Over the years, our teeth develop stains and discolorations from a variety of different sources. While highly pigmented foods and

close up of teeth after veneer treatment

Veneers

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are adhered to the front side of visible teeth in order to improve their

patient receiving dental bonding treatment

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding or cosmetic bonding, is a minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure. It uses composite

same day dentistry thunder bay

Same Day Dentistry

Indirect dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, or veneers are those that are fabricated outside of the mouth

Woman having pain in jaw

Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can occur at any time and often require prompt treatment by an experienced emergency dentist. At Birch Point

clear Invisalign bracket on isolated background

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a clear aligner appliance to gradually optimize the position of the

composite dental filling procedure

Fillings

Fillings are restorative dental procedures used to restore decayed teeth. They are used to fill dental cavities in order to

Root Canals

Root canals are restorative dental procedures used to remove infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. When a tooth

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are procedures performed when one or more teeth poses a risk to the rest of your oral health.

set of complete dentures on isolated background

Dentures

Dentures are partial or full sets of fake teeth. Partial dentures are used in cases where there are multiple missing

dental crown on isolated background

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are a type of restoration used to restore damaged or decayed teeth, while dental bridges are used to

patient receiving dental bonding treatment

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding or cosmetic bonding, is a minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure. It uses composite

close up of teeth after veneer treatment

Veneers

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are adhered to the front side of visible teeth in order to improve their

before and after dental whitening treatment

Teeth Whitening

Over the years, our teeth develop stains and discolorations from a variety of different sources. While highly pigmented foods and

patient receiving dental sealant treatment

Dental Sealants

Since your dentist is mainly concerned with preserving your oral health, they offer a variety of preventative treatments. One of

doctor holding mouth guard

Mouth Guard

Mouthguards are dental appliances made to fit over the teeth in order to protect them from damage. There are different

doctor examining dental x-rays

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays are low-radiation dental x-rays that allow Dr. Sanket Upadhyay to take a closer look at the health of