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Fixed restorations How to contact us Patient Information Telephone: e-mail: 01 6127391 [email protected] Main Hospital Telephone: e-mail: Fax Number: 01 6127200 [email protected] 01 6711255 Website: http://www.tcd.ie/dental-school Information on Fixed Restorations (Crowns and Bridges) Crowns When a tooth is badly damaged or discoloured, it may be covered with a crown (also known as a cap). In addition, treatment with crowns or bridges may result in: ■ ■ ■ The tooth must first be shaped with a drill so that a crown may be placed. Crowns are cemented onto teeth and are intended to last for several years. ■ ■ ■ ■ A crown fits over the whole tooth and may be made of metal and/or porcelain. Often crowns on the back teeth are metal-coloured, but crowns on the front teeth are toothcoloured. ■ Sensitivity of the teeth after drilling Loss of tooth vitality Gum recession Speech difficulties Increased wear on other teeth Change in your bite Allergic reactions Change in your appearance It is not always possible to match the colour of a crown or bridge exactly to existing crowns or natural teeth. Once the crown or bridge is cemented it is not possible to change its colour or size. Bridges When a tooth is missing, it can sometimes be replaced with a bridge. A bridge is an artificial tooth, which is attached to the tooth or teeth on each side of the space. The bridge is cemented onto the adjacent teeth and it may last for several years. Usually the teeth that support the bridge must be shaped with a drill. Risks of treatment with crowns or bridges As with any dental treatment, there are risks attached to the placement of crowns and bridges. There are general risks related to the use of drills, instruments and local anaesthetic. After your tooth is prepared for a crown or bridge, you will be fitted with a temporary restoration. This is to allow time for the final crown to be made in the laboratory, or for other treatment to be finished. Temporary crowns are sometimes needed for a few weeks or even several months. Temporary crowns and bridges may come off easily and it is important that they be replaced quickly. Delays in replacing the temporary crown or bridge may cause tooth movement and the final crown or bridge will not fit. Care and Maintenance of your fixed restoration The long-term success of your fixed restoration will largely depend on how well you maintain your dental health. It is important to thoroughly remove plaque daily from teeth and crowns to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Fixed restorations will be at increased risk of failure from poor diet, certain chronic illnesses, medications, trauma or excessive grinding of the teeth. You should see your dentist for regular check-ups. “typical” checkups interval used is about one year. However this really depends on each individual’s dental health and is something you should discuss with your dentist. Crowns or bridges sometimes become loose and you should return to your own dentist as soon as you notice any movement of the restoration. Dental decay or fracture of the tooth or loss of the cement layer could cause this. The cost of your treatment You will be asked by your dentist to sign consent to treatment form and also to sign an agreement to pay the cost of your treatment. Price lists are available from reception areas. For some treatments a deposit will be required. We hope that this leaflet has provided you the information you need, but if you have any further questions please, feel free to ask. Date of Issue: July 2005