Dental Crowns and Bridges in Ajax

A cracked or badly decayed tooth can make eating uncomfortable, and a missing tooth can change how you chew, speak and smile. At Duffins Creek Dental, we use crowns and bridges to protect the teeth you have and fill the gaps where teeth are missing.

Dr. Claire de Guzman-Dayot and Dr. Jimmy John are general dentists who provide dental crowns and bridges in Ajax. They explain your options clearly and make sure you feel comfortable before treatment begins.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth, down to the gum line. It protects a tooth that is too weak or damaged for a filling alone, and it is customized to blend in with your other teeth.

Our Ajax dentists may suggest a crown to:

• Protect a tooth that is cracked or likely to break
• Rebuild a tooth with a very large filling or a lot of decay
• Cover and strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment
  Restore a tooth that is badly worn down
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Top a dental implant that replaces a single missing tooth
• Improve the look of a tooth that is badly stained or misshapen

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. A replacement tooth sits in the gap, held in place by the teeth on either side. Your bridge is cemented in place, so you do not take it out at night like a denture.

Bridges work best when one to three teeth are missing in a row and the teeth beside the gap are healthy. Your dentist will explain which type suits you:

• Traditional bridge. Crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap hold the new tooth. It is the most common.
• Bonded bridge. Small wings attach to the backs of the neighbouring teeth, so less reshaping is needed. It is mostly used for front teeth.
• Implant-supported bridge. Dental implants hold the bridge instead of natural teeth, which can suit patients missing several teeth in a row.[H2] 

A gap can seem like a small thing, especially at the back of your mouth. Over time, though, the teeth next to the space can drift into it, making chewing harder and leaving tight spots where food and plaque collect. Filling the gap helps you chew and speak comfortably and keeps your other teeth in place.

A bridge is one option. Depending on your needs and budget, our Ajax team may also talk with you about implant-supported restorations or a denture.

Most crowns and bridges take two visits, about a week apart:

1. Exam and X-rays: We check the tooth, roots and gums, then talk through your options and costs. Any decay or gum problems are treated first.
2. Freezing: We numb the area with local anaesthetic, often called freezing. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain. If you do, tell us.
3. Shaping the tooth: The dentist gently shapes the tooth so the crown fits over it. For a bridge, the teeth beside the gap are shaped.
4. Impressions. We take a mould or scan of your teeth. A dental lab uses it to make a crown or bridge that fits your bite and matches your teeth.
5. A temporary to protect you: A temporary protects your tooth while the lab makes your permanent one.
6. Fitting day: At your second visit, we remove the temporary, check the fit, colour and bite, and cement your new crown or bridge in place.

Your dentist will recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how much force it takes when you chew, and how natural you want it to look.

• Porcelain or ceramic: Looks the most like natural teeth, so it is a common choice for front teeth.
• Porcelain fused to metal: A metal base with a tooth-coloured outer layer, for strength and a natural look.
• Metal, such as gold: Very strong and rarely chips. It is usually used on back teeth, where it is less visible.

While you have a temporary:

• Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, ice, gum and caramel.
• Brush gently, and slide floss out to the side instead of pulling it up.
• If the temporary comes off, call us. Do not leave the tooth uncovered for long.

Once your new crown or bridge is in

• Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a couple of weeks. Sore gums usually settle within a few days.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, and floss once a day.
• Clean under your bridge daily with a floss threader or a small between-the-teeth brush.
• Do not chew ice or pens. If you grind your teeth, ask us about a custom night guard.
• Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings.

When to call us

Call us if your crown or bridge feels loose or comes off, cracks or chips, has a sharp edge that bothers your tongue or gums, or leaves a bad taste. Also call if sensitivity lasts longer than a couple of weeks.

With good care, crowns and bridges typically last 5 to 15 years, and sometimes longer. Daily brushing and flossing, regular checkups and a night guard if you grind your teeth all help. The teeth under a crown or bridge can still get cavities, so keeping the edges clean matters.

The cost of a crown or bridge depends on the material, how many teeth are involved and whether other treatment is needed first. We review your plan and costs with you before we begin.

• Dental insurance: Many plans cover part of the cost. Coverage varies. We bill your insurer directly and can check your coverage first.
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): We participate in the CDCP. It can cover some crowns for patients 18 and older, with approval before treatment and within set limits. Bridges are not covered under the CDCP.
• Financing: Payment plans are available to help spread out the cost.

• Calm, unhurried care. Patients often mention in reviews that Dr. Claire is gentle and explains each step. Sedation options are available if you feel nervous.
• One familiar dental home. Root canal treatment, crowns, bridges and dentures in one Ajax office.
• Easy billing. Direct billing, CDCP accepted and financing available.
• Easy to reach. Free parking at the rear and transit access from Pickering, Whitby and Oshawa.