A crown, also referred to as a "cap," is designed to fit over an existing tooth. It requires rehabilitation due to deep degradation, fracture, or crack in the tooth. A bridge is made up of at least three units: two crowns (abutments) fused together and a pontic, or false tooth, that replaces a missing tooth.
Conditions where a crown is needed:
- Severe sensitivity to bite pressure, cold, and heat
- Cracked tooth without any symptoms
- A deeply decayed tooth, once the dentist removes deep decay, there is not enough tooth structure is there to support the filling
- Following a root canal treatment
- Largest amalgam filling in the tooth starts breaking
Conditions where a bridge is needed:
- If the patient is missing one or more teeth
- The patient has difficulties using removable partial dentures and demands a permanent solution
Benefits of Crown and Bridge:
- Reduces pain and sensitivity
- Prevents the progression of cracks that cause nerve damages
- Improve occlusion and prevent TMJ disorders
- Enhance the esthetics
- Allow the patient to eat in comfort
- Reduces the risk of stress to adjacent teeth and prevents it from shifting
- Helps to maintain the shape of the patient’s face
