Crowns and bridges
A crown is a cap that covers a weak, cracked or root-treated tooth, and a bridge uses the teeth on either side of a gap to hold a replacement tooth. At Suman Dental Care both are provided by Dr. Nimisha Pandya, a dental surgeon (BDS).
Step by step
Crowns and bridges
- Before
- Treatment
- After
2 visits of 45–90 minutes, about 1–2 weeks apart, with a temporary crown or bridge in between.
A crown covers a weak, cracked or root-treated tooth so it can chew safely. A bridge uses the teeth on either side of a gap to hold a replacement tooth, so neighbours do not drift. Both involve shaping healthy teeth, so your dentist will weigh them against an implant, which does not.
- After a root canal on a back tooth
- A large filling that keeps breaking
- A cracked or badly worn tooth
- One missing tooth with healthy neighbours
The numbness lasts 2–3 hours, so wait before eating. Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days to a couple of weeks, and the gum around the crown can feel tender.
With a temporary crown, avoid sticky or hard food and chew on the other side. If the temporary comes off, call us so it can be re-cemented, because the prepared tooth moves without it.
After the final crown or bridge, brush twice a day and clean under a bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes. Tell us if the bite feels high.
- Sensitivity after preparation is common and usually settles. A tooth that stays painful may need a root canal.
- Tooth reduction: crowns need part of the tooth to be shaved away, and bridges need the neighbouring teeth to be shaped. This is not reversible.
- Decay at the edge of a crown or under a bridge can develop if cleaning is poor.
- A crown can loosen, chip or fracture, particularly if you clench or grind. A night guard can help.
- Gum recession can show a dark edge on a metal-ceramic crown.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
- Examination and X-rays of the supporting teeth
- Local anaesthetic and tooth preparation
- Impression or scan and shade matching
- A temporary crown or bridge
- Fitting and bite check
Questions patients ask
How long does a crown last?
Many crowns last 10–15 years or more with good cleaning and regular check-ups. How long depends on the tooth, the material, your bite and whether you grind your teeth.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
On back teeth, usually yes. A root-filled tooth is more likely to crack, and a crown protects it. Read about root canal treatment.
Bridge or implant?
A bridge is quicker and needs no surgery, but the teeth on either side are shaped. An implant stands on its own but needs surgery and healing time. See dental implants.
Will the crown match my teeth?
Yes, the shade is matched to your neighbouring teeth with a shade guide, and the shape and bite are checked before it is cemented.
Does it hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic during preparation. You may feel pressure but no pain.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.