What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a cap that covers a tooth. Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Strengthen a tooth that has a large filling when not enough natural tooth remains to hold the filling
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking
- Restore a tooth that is already broken or worn
- Cover teeth that are discoloured or badly shaped
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
Your dentist's primary concern, like yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. If your dentist recommends a crown, it is probably to correct one of these conditions.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap hold a replacement tooth in place. If you have a missing tooth, ask your dentist whether a bridge or a dental implant is the better choice for you, as the answer depends on your teeth, gums and goals.
How Crown and Bridge Treatment Works
The exact steps depend on your case, and your dentist will explain them at your visit. In general:
- Examination and planning: Your dentist examines the tooth and may take digital x-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone.
- Preparing the tooth: The tooth is shaped to make room for the crown. Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable.
- Impression: An impression is taken so the restoration can be made to fit your bite and match your smile.
- Temporary restoration: A temporary crown or bridge may protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made.
- Final placement: At a follow-up visit, the permanent crown or bridge is checked for fit and colour and then bonded into place.
If a tooth needs a root canal first, a crown is often the next step to protect it.
Before Your Visit
- Bring your insurance information, if you have it.
- Tell us about any medications, allergies or health conditions.
- Let us know if you feel anxious so we can discuss laughing gas and sedation options.
- Ask any questions about the steps, timing and cost.
After Your Treatment
- Your mouth and cheek may feel numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
- Take care with sticky or very hard foods while you have a temporary crown or bridge.
- The tooth may be a little sensitive at first. This usually settles down.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, taking extra care around the edges of the crown or under a bridge.
- Keep up with regular checkups so your dentist can monitor the restoration.
- Call us if the crown feels loose or comes off, your bite feels uneven, or you have swelling, fever, lasting pain or bleeding.
Costs, Insurance and Payment
Costs depend on your treatment. We provide free estimates, bill all major and government insurance plans directly where coverage applies and follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. If you are not covered, instant financing with easy monthly payment plans is available.
Why Choose Heritage Valley Dental?
- A clear explanation of your options before treatment
- Free estimates and second opinions
- Laughing gas and sedation options for nervous patients
- Open seven days a week, including weeknights until 8:00 pm
- Walk-ins welcome if a crown comes loose or a tooth breaks, as part of our emergency dentist service
