Dental Crowns and Bridges

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge literally bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, with a false tooth or teeth, called pontics, in between. Bridges help you chew and speak properly, maintain the shape of your face, keep remaining teeth from shifting and distribute bite forces evenly.

Crown, Bridge or Implant?

A bridge relies on neighbouring teeth for support, while a dental implant replaces the missing tooth root and does not involve the teeth beside the gap. Both can be excellent options. Your dentist will explain the differences, including how each fits your health, your budget and your timeline. You can read more about dental implants or dentures if you are comparing choices.

The Crown and Bridge Process

Getting a crown or bridge at our Chestermere clinic typically takes two visits.

• First visit: the tooth is prepared by reshaping it to fit the crown, and detailed impressions are taken. A temporary crown or bridge protects the tooth while a dental laboratory crafts your permanent restoration.
• Second visit: the temporary is removed and your custom crown or bridge is fitted, adjusted for comfort and bite and permanently cemented in place.

Materials We Use

We use high-quality porcelain, ceramic and metal-free options. Porcelain and ceramic reflect light like natural enamel, which helps them blend with neighbouring teeth, while metal-supported crowns can offer strength in areas that take heavy bite pressure. Your dentist will recommend the material that suits the tooth's position and your goals.

Protecting a Tooth After a Filling or Root Canal

When a tooth has a large filling or has had a root canal, a crown can protect what remains from cracking. If a filling is not enough, your dentist may suggest upgrading from tooth-coloured fillings to a crown to protect the tooth long term.

Choosing Between a Crown and Other Options

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown. A smaller problem may be handled with a filling, while a missing tooth may be replaced with a bridge, an implant or a partial denture. We walk through each option, including what it involves and how it fits your goals, so the plan makes sense for you.

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

Brush and floss as usual, paying close attention to the gum line. For a bridge, special floss threaders or small brushes help clean under the false tooth. Avoid biting down on very hard objects such as ice, and let us know if a restoration feels loose or uneven.

Before Your Visit

• Tell us about any pain, sensitivity or biting problems with the tooth.
• Mention allergies, medications and any known sensitivity to metals.
• Plan for two visits and ask about timing if you have an event coming up.
• Bring your insurance or CDCP information so we can arrange direct billing.

After Your Treatment

• Your gums and tooth may be tender after preparation and numbness can last a few hours.
• Avoid sticky or very hard foods while you wear a temporary crown or bridge.
• Brush twice daily and floss, using a floss threader or interdental brush under a bridge.
• Keep regular checkups so we can monitor the fit and the health of the supporting teeth.
• Call us if a temporary comes loose, your bite feels high or pain does not settle.

Insurance and Direct Billing for Crowns and Bridges

We accept most insurances and offer direct billing, and our team files the paperwork for you. Coverage for crowns and bridges varies by plan, so contact us and we will explain how your benefits may apply and what to expect before treatment begins.