Dental Crowns and Bridges

Artificial Crowns

Although the outside of each tooth is made of strong and hard enamel, teeth can be chipped, broken or weakened due to:

• trauma (such as a fall)
• tooth decay
• large fillings
• root canal treatment to remove the tooth’s pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves
• age-related wear and tear

An artificial crown is often the best way to save a tooth and strengthen it. It fits over the prepared existing tooth and replaces the natural crown.

Bridges

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of an articifial tooth anchored to the adjacent natural teeth. If a tooth is lost through an accident, or is too badly decayed to save with a crown, a bridge may be the treatment of choice.

*(excerpt from ADA Crowns and Bridges pamphlet)