Bridges & Crowns

A crown covers and protects a single damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the teeth on either side. At Marsfield Dental Care we provide crowns and bridges in Sydney using porcelain, ceramic and metal-ceramic materials. A crown is usually recommended when a tooth is cracked, heavily filled, or has had root canal treatment and needs protection from further fracture. A bridge is considered when a gap needs closing and the neighbouring teeth are healthy enough to support it. Which option suits you depends on how much natural tooth remains, the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums, and your bite. That assessment happens in person, with X-rays where needed.

With good care, crowns and bridges commonly last around 10 to 15 years, though this varies between patients. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, grinding or clenching habits, diet, gum health and how much natural tooth structure supports the restoration. Crowns and bridges in Sydney are subject to the same wear as natural teeth. They can chip, and the tooth or gum underneath can still develop decay or disease. Brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth including under a bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes, and attending regular check-ups all extend their life. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard may be recommended. Crowns can sometimes be re-cemented or replaced if they come loose.

Most crown and bridge treatment takes two appointments. At the first, the tooth is prepared, an impression or digital scan is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted. At the second, usually two to three weeks later, the temporary is removed and the final restoration is fitted and adjusted. In some cases a same-day or fast-turnaround crown may be possible, depending on the tooth, the material chosen and laboratory scheduling. More appointments may be needed if the tooth requires root canal treatment, a core build-up, or gum treatment before the crown can be placed. Your dentist will explain the likely number of visits after examining the tooth.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain while the tooth is being prepared. You may feel pressure and vibration. Afterwards it is common to have some tenderness, sensitivity to hot and cold, or gum soreness for a few days while the area settles, and this usually eases on its own. If the tooth was already inflamed or infected before treatment, discomfort may last longer, and in some cases root canal treatment becomes necessary.
Individual responses to dental treatment vary. Tell your dentist if you are anxious about the appointment or have had difficulty with anaesthetic in the past, so options can be discussed beforehand.

Cost depends on the material chosen, how many teeth are involved, and whether other treatment such as root canal therapy, a core build-up or gum treatment is needed first. Because of that variation, we provide a written quotation after an in-person assessment rather than an estimate over the phone. Bring your health fund details to the appointment and we can give you the item numbers so you can check your level of cover before deciding. Payment plans are available. If you are weighing up crowns and bridges in Sydney against other options such as a dental implant
or a partial denture, we will set out what each involves and what the trade-offs are.