1. What happens if you don’t protect a tooth with a dental crown?

Firstly, considerations of why a crown is necessary must be evaluated. A crown is only necessary if excessive tooth loss has occurred and the tooth must be protected from possible fracture. Crowns are indicated for root canal treated posterior teeth and some anterior teeth depending on the amount of tooth loss. Crowns are also indicated for teeth with restorations replacing cusps and teeth with cracks in the coronal portion that exhibit the possibility to propagate. When a crown is indicated and that tooth is not protected, there are several possible situations that may develop for the tooth:

1. The tooth may crack in a way that is easily repaired

2. The tooth breaks, but it requires other types of dental work first before the dental crown can be made.(EX: root canal treatment, periodontal surgery,etc)

3. The tooth breaks in a way in which it cannot be repaired, and then will have to be extracted.


2. What precautions should be taken with a temporary dental crown?

Temporary dental crowns are usually cemented into place using "temporary" cement so they can be removed easily at the time of your next dental appointment. Because this cement is not as strong as other types of dental cement, your dentist will probably suggest to you that you minimize the usage of the side of your mouth that has the temporary crown. Keep sticky foods away from the temporary dental crown. Avoid chewing exceptionally hard foods which can dislodge or break a temporary crown. Brushing normally doesn' t affect the temporary crown. However, flossing should be considered by removing dental floss by way of letting loose of one end and then pulling it through. Pulling the floss back out in a normal fashion (bottom to top) might snag the temporary crown and pull it off its tooth.


3. How will my prepared down teeth be protected until I receive my bridge?

A temporary bridge or crowns should placed with temporary cement over the prepared teeth. All tooth surfaces should covered. This will act as proper protection until the permanent bridge returns from the lab.


4. Is the preparation of bridgework painful?

The preparation procedure should not be painful due to use of a local anaesthetic. Following preparation, impression is made, and temporary crowns are placed.


5. Will there be any sensitivity after the bridges are placed in the mouth?

Sensitivity to hot and cold sometimes may occur after the bridge has been cemented, but this is usually temporary. Sensitivity is normally experienced immediately following preparation. Since the permanent bridge is normally cemented after a period of 2-3 weeks following preparation (for lab fabrication), most sensitivity has subsided at the time of final cementation. Sensitivity following preparation can last anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. Sensitivity can be eased by maintenance of proper OH techniques and increased incorporation of fluoride and potassium nitrate in the hygiene regimen.


6. Will a fixed bridge look good?

Fixed bridges are made to look natural and match the adjoining natural teeth. With proper planning and correct attention to detail, a fixed bridge can be an impressive aesthetic restoration. Excessive space closure and staining may present particular challenges for aesthetic restoration. Your dentist should be careful to take all necessary steps to advise of realistic expectations and give the patient an idea of expected final restoration. A dentist can provide an example of final restoration made of wax in order to give to patient a precise idea of the aesthetics of final restoration. This is called a diagnostic wax up.