When large parts of a tooth have been damaged or previously repaired many times, it is not sustainable
repair using a regular plastic filling. What is then required is a tailor-made
laboratory-made dental crown or bridge that is individually adapted to your tooth and your bite. One
crown covers one tooth while a bridge covers several teeth and is usually made of porcelain.
When the dentist has made the assessment that this treatment is suitable for your particular tooth, the patient receives
first and foremost anesthesia to be able to start the treatment.
The dentist starts by grinding the tooth to remove damaged tooth substance and then shapes it
to make room for the porcelain crown.
An impression is then taken of the prepared tooth, which is used as a basis for its creation
individually customized porcelain crown. The impression is sent to a dental technician who creates a crown that
is tailored to the patient's tooth with regard to colour, shape and bite. The goal is to the new tooth
should look as natural as possible and match the rest of the patient's teeth. While the patient waits
the new crown, he/she gets a protective cover on the prepared tooth between visits to
avoid discomfort such as rushes.
When the porcelain crown is finished, it's time for one return visit to the dentist. The crown is then placed on
the patient's tooth and the dentist carefully check the fit. If necessary, the shape of the crown is adjusted
to ensure it sits correctly and fits into the bite.
The patient can look in the mirror if he/she is satisfied with the appearance and can then give the dentist
the go-ahead to attach the crown.
When the fit is perfect, a dental cement/adhesive is applied to the porcelain crown, which attaches it to it
the tooth permanently. Once in place, the crown acts as a new protective surface for the damaged tooth.
Finally, further adjustments can be made to ensure that the patient can chew properly
without discomfort.
If one or more teeth are missing, a bridge, as it is also called, can act as a replacement
for the dental valve.
Then the adjacent teeth are used as support and attachment for the bridge and are ground in the same way as
when making a crown. The missing teeth are thus replaced by hanging teeth that fit together
with the teeth next to each other in a joint.
After a crown or bridge therapy, one may experience after-effects for up to two months after completion
treatment. Common complaints are tingling and pain in the tooth/teeth when eating hot and cold food/
drink. If the discomfort turns into pain from the tooth to the ear and head and you have to take painkillers
against the pain, you should contact your dentist for a further check.
