OUR SERVICES
Crown & Bridges, Tooth Replacement
Restore what has been damaged. Replace what has been lost.
Damaged, weakened or missing teeth can affect the way you chew, speak and feel about your smile. Dental crowns and bridges can help restore the structure, function and appearance of your teeth when they are clinically appropriate. At SmilePlug, tooth replacement and restorative treatment begin with understanding the condition of your teeth, your oral health and the result you want to achieve.
Your smile is a work of art.
CROWNS & BRIDGES
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are restorative dental treatments used to repair or replace teeth.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that fits over a damaged, weakened or worn tooth. Crowns can help restore the tooth's shape and strength and can also be used over dental implants or to support certain dental bridges.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using artificial teeth to fill the space. Depending on the type of bridge, it may be supported by neighbouring teeth or dental implants.
The goal is not simply to improve how your smile looks. Restorative treatment can also help restore chewing function and protect the remaining structure of your teeth.
When Might a Dental Crown Be Recommended?
A crown may be considered when a tooth has been weakened or damaged and needs more protection or structure than a filling can provide.
Weak or Damaged Teeth
A crown can help restore and protect a tooth that has been significantly weakened.
Broken Teeth
Crowns may be used to restore teeth that have fractured or broken when enough healthy tooth structure remains.
Large Fillings
A crown may be recommended when a tooth has a large filling and insufficient remaining structure to adequately support the tooth.
Worn Teeth
A crown can restore teeth that have become significantly worn down.
Root Canal-Treated Teeth
Crowns may be used to provide additional protection and strength after root canal treatment.
Dental Implants
A crown can be placed on top of a dental implant to replace the visible portion of a missing tooth.
A crown is not automatically the right treatment for every damaged tooth. Your dentist will assess the remaining tooth structure and your overall oral health before recommending one.
When Might a Dental Bridge Be Right for You?
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be one of the options available for replacing the missing tooth or teeth.
A bridge can be considered when:
Missing Teeth
A gap exists where one or more teeth are missing.
Chewing Has Become Difficult
A missing tooth can affect how you bite and chew.
Your Smile Has a Visible Gap
Replacing a missing tooth can restore continuity to your smile.
You Want a Fixed Replacement
Some bridges are fixed in place rather than being removable by the patient.
You Have Suitable Supporting Teeth
The condition of the teeth surrounding the gap is an important consideration when determining whether a traditional bridge is appropriate.
The number of missing teeth, the condition of neighbouring teeth, your gum health and your overall treatment needs all influence which replacement option may be appropriate.
What Is the Difference Between a Crown and a Bridge?
| Dental Crown | Dental Bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Restores a damaged or weakened tooth | Replaces one or more missing teeth |
| Structure | Covers a prepared tooth | Uses artificial teeth to fill a gap |
| Common use | Broken, weakened, worn or treated tooth | Missing tooth or consecutive missing teeth |
| Support | Usually the affected tooth or an implant | Natural teeth or implants, depending on bridge type |
| Main goal | Restore structure and function | Replace missing tooth structure and restore function |
A crown restores a tooth that is still present. A bridge replaces a tooth or teeth that are missing. The right solution depends on your individual dental condition.
What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?
Traditional Bridge
A traditional bridge typically uses crowns placed over supporting teeth on either side of the gap, with an artificial tooth or teeth between them.
Cantilever Bridge
A cantilever bridge is supported from one side rather than both sides of the gap. Its suitability depends on the location of the missing tooth and the surrounding teeth.
Maryland Bridge
A Maryland bridge uses wings bonded to the backs of neighbouring teeth to support the artificial tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge uses dental implants rather than natural teeth as its supporting foundation.
What Happens When You Get a Dental Crown?
Assessment
Your dentist evaluates the tooth, surrounding tissues and overall oral health.
Treatment Planning
The dentist determines whether a crown is appropriate and discusses the treatment plan.
Tooth Preparation
The tooth is carefully prepared so the crown can fit correctly.
Crown Fabrication & Fitting
The required measurements, impressions or scans are used to create the restoration. A temporary restoration may be used while the final crown is being prepared.
Final Placement
The final crown is checked for fit, appearance and function before being bonded into place.
What Happens When You Get a Dental Bridge?
Assessment
Your dentist examines the gap and the surrounding teeth.
Treatment Planning
The appropriate bridge design is determined based on the number of missing teeth and available support.
Preparation
For certain bridge types, supporting teeth may need to be reshaped to accommodate the restoration.
Fabrication
Impressions or digital measurements can be used to create the final restoration.
Fitting & Placement
The bridge is checked for fit and function before being secured in place.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
Dental Bridges
Bridges can replace one or more missing teeth by filling the space with artificial teeth supported by neighbouring structures.
Dental Implants
An implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth and can support a crown, bridge or other restoration.
Dentures
Partial or complete dentures can replace multiple missing teeth depending on the extent and pattern of tooth loss.
There is no single tooth-replacement solution that is right for everyone. Your dentist can assess your oral health and discuss the available options with you.
MISSING OR DAMAGED TEETH?
Let's Understand the Right Way Forward.
Whether you have a damaged tooth that needs protection or a missing tooth that needs replacement, the first step is understanding your options.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges are designed to function as part of your smile, but they still require regular care.
Brush Regularly
Maintain your normal oral hygiene routine.
Clean Between Your Teeth
Bridges require particular attention underneath and around the restoration. Interdental cleaning can help maintain the surrounding area.
Avoid Damaging Habits
Avoid chewing extremely hard objects and habits such as biting ice or pens.
Keep Dental Appointments
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings help monitor your restoration and surrounding teeth.
Proper care can help keep your restoration functioning well, but crowns and bridges are not indestructible and may eventually require repair or replacement.
How Long Can a Crown or Bridge Last?
The lifespan of a dental restoration varies depending on factors such as the material, oral hygiene, bite forces, surrounding teeth and how well the restoration is maintained.
Crowns and dental bridges commonly last around five to 15 years, although some can last longer with appropriate care.
Many crowns and bridges last several years, but individual results vary.
Restorative Dentistry Built Around You
Personalised Assessment
Your treatment begins with understanding the condition of your teeth and your individual needs.
Function & Appearance
Restorative treatment considers both how your teeth function and how your smile looks.
Patient-Focused Planning
We take the time to understand your concerns before determining an appropriate treatment pathway.
Care Across Our Locations
SmilePlug provides dental services across Ikeja, Lekki and Abuja.
A Strong Restoration Starts With a Healthy Foundation.
Before replacing or restoring a tooth, your dentist needs to consider the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums.
A healthy foundation is important because the long-term performance of a crown or bridge depends partly on the condition of the structures supporting it.
Restoring the visible tooth is only part of the treatment. Protecting the health around it matters too.
Patient guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns, Bridges & Tooth Replacement
SmilePlug Dental Clinic
Restore Your Smile. Protect What Matters.
Whether you have a damaged tooth that needs restoration or a missing tooth that needs replacement, the right treatment begins with understanding your individual dental needs.