Crowns & Bridges

Crowns & Bridges at NorthShore

Crowns

A crown is a cover the dentist can place over a single tooth to help restore it to its original shape, size, and function.

If the tooth requiring a crown is broken it will first require a special filling, called a build-up, to help give it a proper shape. Then an impression will be taken as a mold to make the permanent crown. Next, the tooth will be prepped down into a “peg-like” shape. A temporary covering will be placed over the prepped tooth while a dental lab technician makes the permanent crown. Once back from the lab the permanent crown will be cemented into place.

Crowns may be recommended due to large dental decay, to protect a tooth that is broken or cracked, after root canal treatment has been performed, or for esthetic reasons.

Bridge

A bridge is a fixed solution for replacing one or more missing teeth in a row. It is comprised of multiple crowns connected together as one unit. Bridges are fabricated using the same steps involved in the making of a crown.