Crown & Bridge
根管治疗
What Are Crown & Bridge?
Dental crowns and bridges are fixed restorations used to repair severely damaged teeth and replace missing teeth respectively. Unlike removable appliances, they are permanently cemented in place — restoring the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance in a way that functions like a natural tooth.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth. It encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, protecting it from further damage and restoring full function. Crowns are commonly placed after root canal treatment, on cracked teeth, or on teeth where a filling alone is no longer sufficient.
A dental bridge spans a gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth — known as pontics — anchored to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. A bridge is fixed in place and does not need to be removed for cleaning.
Crown vs Bridge — What’s the Difference?
Two distinct restorations — the dentist will advise which is appropriate after a full clinical assessment.
A crown caps a single existing tooth that is too damaged, cracked, or weakened for a filling to adequately restore. The natural tooth root remains in place.
- Covers the entire visible tooth above the gum line
- Protects cracked or heavily filled teeth from fracture
- Commonly used after root canal treatment
- Restores shape, size, strength, and appearance
- Permanently cemented — no removal needed
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth to crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap. No surgery is required.
- Fills the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth
- Fixed in place — functions like natural teeth
- Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap
- Restores chewing ability and bite balance
- An alternative to implants where indicated
Signs You May Need a Crown or Bridge
A clinical assessment is required to confirm the appropriate treatment. These are common situations where crowns or bridges may be recommended.
A crack that extends into the structure of the tooth — causing pain on biting — may require a crown to hold it together and prevent further fracture.
When a filling covers a large portion of a tooth, the remaining tooth structure may be too weak to hold another filling. A crown provides full coverage and lasting protection.
Root canal treated teeth become more brittle over time and are at higher risk of fracture. A crown is typically recommended to protect and restore the tooth long-term.
A gap left by a missing tooth affects chewing, speech, and causes adjacent teeth to shift over time. A dental bridge is a fixed option to restore the gap without implant surgery.
Teeth worn down by grinding, acid erosion, or heavy use may be too short or structurally compromised for fillings. Crowns rebuild and protect the remaining tooth structure.
A single tooth that is significantly discoloured and unresponsive to whitening — often following trauma or root canal treatment — may be restored aesthetically with a crown.
*Only a clinical assessment can determine whether a crown or bridge is the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation
How the Procedure Works
Select a treatment to see the step-by-step process
Dr Christine examines the affected tooth and takes dental X-rays to assess the extent of damage, root condition, and bone support. This determines whether a crown is the most suitable restoration and which material would be most appropriate.
Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is reshaped — a small, uniform layer of enamel is removed from all surfaces to create space for the crown to fit over it. The amount of reduction depends on the material selected. Any decay is removed at this stage.
A precise impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth is taken. For tooth-coloured crowns, a shade is matched to your natural teeth. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom crown is fabricated.
A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain appearance and function while your permanent crown is being made in the laboratory. This typically takes one to two weeks.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is tried in. The fit, bite, and appearance are checked carefully. Once confirmed, the crown is permanently cemented in place. Minor adjustments can be made at this stage if needed.
Dr Christine evaluates the gap, the condition of adjacent teeth, and takes X-rays to assess bone levels and root health. This confirms whether a bridge is a suitable option and which teeth will serve as the supporting anchors.
The two teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) are reshaped under local anaesthesia to accommodate the crowns that will anchor the bridge. This is similar to the preparation done for a standard crown.
An impression of the prepared teeth and the gap is taken and sent to the dental laboratory. A shade is selected to match your surrounding teeth so the bridge blends in naturally with your smile.
A temporary bridge is fitted to protect the prepared teeth and maintain function and aesthetics while your permanent bridge is being custom-fabricated in the laboratory, typically over one to two weeks.
The temporary bridge is removed and the permanent bridge is tried in. Fit, bite, and appearance are assessed before it is permanently cemented onto the abutment teeth. The result is a fixed, natural-looking replacement for the missing tooth.
*Number of visits and treatment timeline depend on individual clinical conditions and laboratory turnaround. Fees subject to clinical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges typically last 10–15 years or longer. Longevity depends on the material used, your bite, oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor and catch any early wear.
Both procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia, so you should feel no pain during treatment. Some sensitivity or mild soreness around the treated area is normal for a day or two after the appointment and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Most crown and bridge treatments require two appointments. The first visit involves assessment, tooth preparation, and impressions. A temporary restoration is placed while your permanent one is fabricated in the laboratory — typically over one to two weeks — and fitted at your second visit.
Both are effective options for replacing missing teeth. Implants are independent and do not require altering adjacent teeth, but involve surgery and a longer treatment timeline. Bridges are faster, do not involve surgery, and may be more suitable where bone volume is insufficient for an implant. Dr Christine will advise you on the best option for your situation.
Brush twice daily and floss carefully around the crown margins. For bridges, use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath the false tooth. Avoid biting on very hard foods like ice or hard sweets. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning will help maintain the restoration long-term.
Leaving a gap can cause neighbouring teeth to drift and tilt into the space over time, and the opposing tooth may over-erupt. This leads to bite problems, difficulty chewing, and bone loss in the jaw. Replacing the missing tooth early helps preserve the surrounding teeth and bone structure.
While uncommon, crowns can occasionally loosen or fracture — usually due to biting hard foods, trauma, or wear of the underlying cement over many years. If your crown feels loose or comes off, contact the clinic promptly. Do not attempt to reattach it yourself, as the underlying tooth will need to be assessed first.
We are located in Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, a short drive from the Causeway. You can cross by bus or private car and take a Grab to our clinic. Parking is available on-site. Please contact us directly for detailed directions or to arrange your appointment around your travel plans.
*Results subject to individual conditions.
*Fees subject to clinical assessment.