Crowns & Bridges

A dental crown is a cap that fits over a single damaged, cracked, or heavily restored tooth — restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. A dental bridge uses crowns on the two teeth on either side of a gap (called abutment teeth) to support an artificial tooth (pontic) in between, replacing a missing tooth without an implant. Both are fixed restorations cemented permanently in place.

Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) crowns are all-ceramic, metal-free restorations offering exceptional strength, excellent aesthetics, and no risk of the dark metal line at the gum margin that PFM crowns can develop over time. They are the gold standard for visible teeth. PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) crowns have a metal substructure with porcelain on the outside — durable and cost-effective, though the metal base can cause a greyish gum line and less natural light transmission. At HOA we recommend zirconia for aesthetic zones and discuss options based on your clinical needs.

Typically two appointments. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared (shaped to accommodate the crown), a digital or physical impression is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted. The permanent crown or bridge is fabricated at the dental lab (usually 7–10 days) and cemented at the second appointment. Some patients may require a third visit for minor adjustments.

The tooth preparation is performed under local anaesthetic — the procedure itself is pain-free. Some sensitivity and mild soreness around the gum after the anaesthetic wears off is normal and typically resolves within 24–72 hours. The temporary crown stage may cause some sensitivity to temperature and pressure. Once the permanent crown is cemented, most patients experience minimal discomfort.

With proper care, zirconia crowns can last 15–20 years or more. PFM crowns typically last 10–15 years. Bridges have a similar lifespan of 10–15 years depending on the number of units and biting forces involved. The main factors affecting longevity are oral hygiene, diet, bruxism (teeth grinding), and regular dental check-ups. A night guard is recommended for patients who grind their teeth.

A dental bridge is preferable when: the adjacent teeth already require crowns (so bridging adds minimal extra tooth reduction), the patient has insufficient bone for an implant without extensive grafting, budget is a significant factor, or when a faster solution is needed (bridges are completed in days, implants take months). However, implants preserve bone, do not involve reducing healthy teeth, and are the longer-term solution. Your dentist will discuss both options honestly at your consultation.

Crowns can occasionally de-cement, particularly if the tooth preparation was short, the bite is very heavy, or the cement ages over many years. If your crown comes off, keep it safe, avoid eating on that side, and contact us as soon as possible. In many cases, the same crown can be re-cemented if it is undamaged. Do not attempt to glue it yourself — over-the-counter adhesives are not dental cements and can damage the tooth or crown.

For posterior teeth (premolars and molars), a crown after root canal treatment is strongly recommended. Root-canal-treated teeth become more brittle over time and are at significant risk of fracture under biting forces without the protective coverage of a crown. For anterior (front) teeth, the decision depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure and aesthetic requirements. Your dentist will advise you at the completion of root canal treatment.