When a crown helps
If a tooth has lost a lot of its structure, a large filling may not hold. A crown covers and supports what's left, so you can bite on it normally. Crowns can be made in metal, metal bonded to porcelain, or all-ceramic, which has no metal and is the most natural-looking. Your dentist will explain which suits your tooth.
Filling a gap with a bridge
A bridge holds a false tooth in place using the teeth beside the gap. Adhesive bridges are glued to the back of a neighbouring tooth, so little or no drilling is needed. Conventional bridges use crowns on the neighbouring teeth for support. If the neighbouring teeth are healthy and untouched, an implant may be worth considering instead.
Who you'll see
Dr Louise Shearin has a special interest in restorative dentistry and holds membership of the Joint Dental Faculties of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF). She has also completed a programme of study in dental implantology, so she can talk you through every option for a missing tooth.
What happens
Planning
We check the tooth (and X-ray it if needed) and agree the type of crown or bridge.
Preparation
The tooth is shaped and an impression or scan is taken. You leave with a temporary.
Fitting
Your crown or bridge is checked for fit, colour and bite, then cemented.
NHS or private?
Crowns and bridges are available on the NHS. Some materials, such as all-ceramic, may be private. Your dentist will always explain the options and give you a written estimate before treatment starts. How NHS charges and private fees work.
Questions people ask
Can I have a crown on the NHS?
Yes, crowns are available on the NHS. Some materials, such as all-ceramic on certain teeth, may be private. We'll explain before you decide.
How do I clean under a bridge?
We'll show you. Special floss threaders or small brushes clean under the false tooth, which helps keep the supporting teeth healthy.
