Dental Crowns & Bridges in New Westminster, BC

Crowns and bridges restore teeth that are damaged or missing so you can chew comfortably and smile with confidence. At Sapperton Dental in New Westminster, we provide dental crowns and bridges, including all-porcelain options designed to match your natural teeth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination, depending on where the tooth is and how much strength is needed.

A crown may be recommended to:

• Protect a tooth with a large filling or a crack
• Strengthen a back tooth after root canal therapy
• Restore a broken or badly worn tooth
• Improve the shape or colour of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
• Cover a dental implant

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, with a false tooth (called a pontic) joined in between. The bridge is cemented in place and is not removed at home.

A bridge can help:

• Fill the gap left by a missing tooth
• Stop neighbouring teeth from drifting into the space
• Restore chewing and speech
• Support the natural shape of your face and smile

The Crown and Bridge Process

1. Examination: we check the tooth or gap, take X-rays and discuss your options.
2. Preparation: the tooth (or anchor teeth) is shaped so the restoration fits properly. The area is numbed first.
3. Impressions and temporary: we take impressions for the dental lab and place a temporary crown or bridge.
4. Fitting: at a second visit, the final restoration is checked for fit, bite and colour, then cemented in place.

Crown, Bridge or Implant?

For a missing tooth, a bridge and an implant are both common choices. A bridge is usually faster and does not need surgery, but it relies on the neighbouring teeth. An implant replaces the tooth on its own and does not involve reshaping the teeth beside it. If several teeth are missing, dentures may also be considered. We will explain the pros and cons for your situation.

Caring for Crowns and Bridges

• Brush twice a day and floss daily. Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under a bridge.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy and other very hard foods.
• Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Keep up regular check-ups and cleanings, since the tooth under a crown can still decay at the gumline.

Crown Materials

• All-porcelain or ceramic: the most natural look, often chosen for front teeth.
• Zirconia: very strong and tooth-coloured, a common choice for back teeth.
• Porcelain fused to metal: strong and tooth-coloured, though a thin dark line may show at the gum over time.
• Gold or metal alloys: very durable and gentle on opposing teeth, but not tooth-coloured.

We will recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how hard you bite and how important appearance is to you.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of a crown depends on the material and on whether the tooth needs a core build-up or root canal treatment first. A bridge costs more than a single crown because it replaces a missing tooth and uses the teeth on either side as support.

Many dental plans treat crowns and bridges as major services, with different coverage levels and waiting periods. Ask us for a pre-treatment estimate you can submit to your insurer, so you know your share before you decide.

Your Dentists

Crowns and bridges are planned and fitted by our dentists, Dr. Sandeep Sachdeva and Dr. Sarika Sachdeva, working with a dental laboratory to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will people be able to tell I have a crown?

Porcelain and ceramic crowns are shade-matched to your teeth and look natural in most smiles.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With good care, they commonly last many years. Their lifespan depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, grinding habits and the health of the supporting teeth.

Is getting a crown painful?

The tooth is numbed during preparation. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.

What if my temporary crown comes off?

Keep it, avoid chewing on that side and call us so we can re-cement it.

How many visits does a crown take?

Usually two visits a couple of weeks apart: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and one to fit the final crown. You wear a temporary crown in between.

Can a crowned tooth still get a cavity?

Yes. The crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth underneath can decay at the gumline. Brushing, flossing and regular check-ups protect it.

What types of dental bridges are there?

The most common is a traditional bridge, which is supported by crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap. Other options include cantilever bridges (supported on one side), resin-bonded bridges (attached to the back of neighbouring teeth) and implant-supported bridges. We will explain which suits your gap and bite.

What should I avoid with a temporary crown or bridge?

Avoid sticky and very hard foods such as caramel, gum, nuts and ice, and chew on the other side where possible. When flossing, slide the floss out sideways rather than pulling it up, so the temporary stays in place.

Should I replace my old crowns?

Only if there is a problem, such as decay at the edge, a crack, a poor fit, gum recession that shows a dark margin, or a colour that no longer matches. We check existing crowns at every exam and will let you know if one needs attention.

Book a Consultation

If you have a cracked tooth, a large old filling or a missing tooth, contact Sapperton Dental at 301 East Columbia Street #105, New Westminster. Call 604-544-0894 or request an appointment.