Crown and Bridge Treatment

Crowns and bridges restore teeth that are too damaged or too far gone to fix with a filling. A crown covers a single tooth like a cap, restoring its strength and shape. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using the neighbouring teeth as anchors. Both are done in our office, both blend in with your natural teeth, and both can last 15 to 25 years with proper care.

Crown or bridge: what is the difference?

When you might need a crown

• ✓After a root canal on a back tooth (almost always needs a crown)
• ✓Large cavity that is too big for a filling
• ✓Cracked or fractured tooth that still has a healthy root
• ✓Heavily worn-down tooth (from grinding, acid wear, or age)
• ✓Discoloured or misshapen front tooth (cosmetic crown)
• ✓Failing large filling that has cracked or come loose

The crown procedure: what to expect

1. Examination and X-ray. We confirm the tooth is a good candidate for a crown and check the root health. If you need a root canal first, we discuss that.
2. Shaping the tooth (visit 1). Under local anaesthetic, we reshape the tooth so the crown will fit over it. We take a digital scan (no goopy impressions) and send it to our lab.
3. Temporary crown. You leave with a temporary crown that protects the tooth while the permanent one is being made. Avoid sticky and hard foods on that side for the next 2 weeks.
4. Fitting (visit 2). About 2 weeks later, we remove the temporary and try in the permanent crown. We check the fit, colour, and bite, make any small adjustments, and bond it in place.
5. Follow-up. The new crown feels normal within a few days. If anything bothers you (high bite, sensitivity), come back and we will adjust at no charge.

The bridge procedure: what to expect

1. Consultation. We confirm the neighbouring teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge. If not, we discuss alternatives (usually a dental implant).
2. Preparation (visit 1). Under local anaesthetic, we shape the two anchor teeth to receive crowns. We take a digital scan that captures the anchor teeth and the gap.
3. Temporary bridge. A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth for the next 2 weeks. Stick to soft foods on that side.
4. Fitting (visit 2). About 2 weeks later, we remove the temporary, try in the permanent bridge, check fit and bite, and bond it in place.
5. Care. A bridge is brushed like a natural tooth, but it requires special floss threaders or a Waterpik to clean under the artificial tooth. We teach you the technique at the fitting visit.

Materials: which crown is right for you?

Cost, insurance, and CDCP

Crowns and bridges are covered (typically at 50 to 80 percent) by most extended health plans when the procedure is medically necessary. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) also covers crowns and bridges for eligible patients. We always submit a predetermination to your insurer before starting so you know exactly what is covered. We bill your insurance directly so you only pay your residual at the appointment. See our insurance and financing page for the full list of insurers we work with, or call us at 604-282-3800 for a quote on your specific situation.

Why choose Madison Dental Studio for crowns and bridges

Crown and bridge FAQ

How long does a crown last?

An all-porcelain or zirconia crown typically lasts 15 to 25 years with good home care. Some last a lifetime. Longevity depends on your bite (grinders wear them faster), home care, and whether the underlying tooth stays healthy.

Does getting a crown hurt?

No. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. You may feel pressure and movement but not pain. Some patients have mild sensitivity for a few days after the shaping appointment; over-the-counter pain reliever handles it.

Why do I need a crown after a root canal?

A tooth that has had a root canal becomes more brittle because the pulp (which kept the tooth hydrated from the inside) is gone. A crown protects the tooth from fracture under chewing forces. Without a crown, root-canal-treated back teeth often crack within 5 to 10 years.

Should I get a bridge or a dental implant?

An implant is usually the better long-term choice because it does not require shaping the neighbouring teeth. However, bridges are faster (2 visits over 2 weeks vs 4 to 9 months for an implant), do not require surgery, and cost less upfront. We discuss both options honestly at the consultation.

How do I clean a bridge?

Brush twice a day like normal teeth, but you need to clean under the artificial tooth (pontic) too. Use a floss threader, a small interdental brush, or a Waterpik to clear food and plaque from underneath. We teach you the technique at the fitting visit. Skipping this leads to gum inflammation around the anchor teeth.

What is the recovery like after getting a crown?

Most patients return to normal eating within a day. Avoid sticky foods (caramel, gum) and very hard foods (ice, hard candy) on the crowned tooth for the first 24 hours. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days is normal and fades on its own.

Can a crown fall off?

Rarely, but it can happen, especially with sticky foods or trauma. If it does, save the crown, call us right away, and we can usually re-cement it the same day. Do not try to glue it back yourself.

Is the crown covered by CDCP?

Yes, when medically necessary. CDCP covers crowns and bridges at a coverage level of 40, 60, or 100 percent depending on your adjusted family net income. We are an enrolled CDCP provider. See our CDCP page for full details.