Losing a tooth can be an upsetting experience. Decay, injury and accident can all result in lost or extensively damaged teeth, and we know just how distressing this can be. That’s why at Wimbledon Dental Care we are confident we can help you to get your smile back.
One of the most common restorations for extensively damaged or broken teeth is a dental crown.
Dental crowns are carefully made to fit perfectly on top of a tooth that has been weakened by decay, has a very large filling or has been broken as the result of an accident. If you need root canal treatment to clear out infection in a tooth root you will also need a crown to give your tooth added strength.
Crowns are made of natural, tooth-coloured material, so they will blend in seamlessly with the shade of your teeth. To have a crown fitted, your dentist will need to prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit precisely. After they have done this they will take an impression of your tooth and send it off to our laboratory for your crown to be made. You may have a temporary crown fitted until your permanent one is ready.
We also recommend crowns to replace old, discoloured fillings in some cases, while if you have a dental bridge or denture your dentist may also use a crown on surrounding teeth to support it. Crowns are strong and durable and will enable you to bite and chew as normal.
If you’ve lost a tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge to replace it. Bridges comprise a false tooth with either crowns or wings attached to adjacent teeth to support it. Usually, bridges are made of a precious metal base, which makes them hard-wearing and durable. For teeth near the front of the mouth porcelain may be added to the base for a more natural appearance.
You will need at least two appointments to have a bridge fitted; at the first your teeth will be prepared and impressions taken, and at the second your bridge will be carefully checked and fitted.
For patients who have several missing teeth, bridges may also be secured in place by dental implants.