Saving Your Teeth & Preserving Your Oral Health
With crowns and bridges, we can help repair damaged teeth, replace missing teeth, and protect your smile from future damage. Crowns may also be provided as part of the process for root canal therapy, and we may recommend bridges as an alternative to partial dentures.
At Grand West Dental, we can provide personalized guidance on crowns and bridges, answer all your questions, and help you decide if these options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today.
Why You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
The reasons why someone may need a crown or bridge can vary depending on the issue at hand. Some common reasons include:
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth loss and missing teeth
- Broken and chipped teeth
- Severe tooth decay
- Covering or supporting a large, older filling
What Is a Crown?
A crown is an artificial cap placed over a damaged tooth. They are used to restore teeth that are seriously damaged by decay or injury or have had root canal treatment. Crowns are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth.
Although they are a cap, crowns typically cover the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, crowns can last anywhere from 10–15 years. If you notice your crowns are beginning to wear down, we recommend scheduling a dental exam.
When getting a crown, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. We will then file down the affected tooth to make room for the crown.
Your crown will be customized to fit your tooth. While waiting for your permanent crown to be made, you may be given a temporary crown that will be replaced when the final crown is ready.
What Is a Bridge?
Bridges are used to fill gaps left by missing teeth. They consist of 1 or more artificial teeth attached to your existing teeth on either side of the gap. They can help restore the natural function and appearance of your smile.
On average, with proper care and good oral hygiene, a bridge can last from 5–7 years. If you notice any changes or wear and tear to your bridge, we suggest scheduling a dental exam.
During your initial appointment, the 2 teeth on both sides of the gap will be filed down, and an impression will be taken to customize the bridge to the shape of your teeth.
In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed in your mouth. You’ll then return when your bridge is ready so we can replace the temporary bridge with your custom bridge.
When Should You Choose a Bridge or Crown?
Bridges are typically recommended for replacing missing teeth, while crowns are typically recommended for supporting existing teeth.
If the teeth on either side of your gap are not strong or healthy enough to hold a bridge, a dental implant may need to be surgically placed to support a bridge. A dental implant can also be used to support a crown when the existing tooth has severe damage and must be removed. At Grand West Dental, we partner with Garcia Dental to help our patients access dental implants.
Restoring Your Smile
Our goal at Grand West Dental is to support your oral health and the appearance of your smile. We are here to help you decide which dental treatments are right for you.
Visit us at our office to learn more about crowns and bridges and whether they’re right for you.
Our Location
Where to Find Us
You can find us on Grand Avenue West. Our location offers plenty of parking for your convenience.
Contact Information
- Phone: (519) 354-6000
- Email: [email protected]
Our Address
- 227 Grand Ave W.
- Chatham, ON N7L 1C3
Hours of Operation
*We are open until 6 PM on alternating Wednesdays.
**We are only open on Saturdays once a month.