No one looks forward to hearing their dentist tell them they need a crown or a bridge, but when the tooth has become weak, it may be essential in order to keep the entire mouth healthy.

At M Dental, we have fit both crowns and bridges for dozens of patients and can assure you that the procedure is safe and will be as comfortable as possible.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CROWN AND A BRIDGE?

Dental Crown: These are prosthetic caps that are placed over an existing tooth when it is chipped, broken, or worn down from decay. Crowns are customized to fit each patient’s mouth and will match the existing teeth color. They can be made of stainless steel, metal, porcelain, or resin. They are meant to protect the tooth from further decay and will last between 10 and 15 years.

Dental Bridge: These are sets of crowns that are used when multiple teeth are affected by decay or injury. A bridge procedure is less painful than getting a crown, and is often less expensive, but they still need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years.

Both crowns and bridges are often necessary when there is a large cavity that can’t be filled, a bridge is used when there are missing teeth, when multiple teeth or a single tooth is cracked, worn down, or weak, or even for cosmetic reasons like discolored teeth.

Getting a crown or a bridge typically involves making two trips to the dentist, one to examine and prepare the tooth, and the second to actually place the crown or bridge on the tooth. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.

After the procedure, your Mississauga dentist will provide information on how to best care for the area until it is thoroughly healed. When you visit us at M Dental, don’t be shy of asking questions, we’re more than happy to take the time to answer your questions so that you feel comfortable about the procedure itself and all aftercare.

If your teeth haven’t been inspected and cleaned by a dentist recently, schedule an appointment with M Dental today.