A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a fixed restoration. The replacement tooth is supported by neighbouring teeth, implants or a combination depending on the design. Unlike a removable denture, a bridge is fixed in place.

What are the main bridge types?

A conventional bridge uses crowns on supporting teeth. This can provide strong support but requires those teeth to be prepared. A resin-bonded bridge is attached with a metal or ceramic wing and often needs much less tooth preparation. Implant-supported bridges use implants instead of natural supporting teeth.

Bridge or implant?

An implant does not require a neighbouring tooth to be crowned, but it involves surgery, sufficient bone, healing time and ongoing implant care. A bridge may be completed more quickly but can place demands on supporting teeth. A removable denture—or sometimes accepting the gap—may also be reasonable.

Does bridge treatment hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used when teeth require preparation. Temporary sensitivity or gum tenderness can occur. Pain, looseness, an uneven bite or difficulty cleaning beneath the bridge should be reviewed.

How do you clean a bridge?

Plaque can collect around supporting teeth and beneath the replacement tooth. The dentist or hygienist should demonstrate suitable floss, threaders or interdental brushes. Decay and gum disease can still affect the supporting teeth.

Before choosing treatment abroad

Ask which teeth will support the bridge, whether they are healthy, how much preparation is required and what alternatives exist. Obtain a diagram showing the exact design and ask how repairs will be managed at home.

Planning this treatment abroad

The cheapest figure is not automatically the lowest total cost. Compare the written diagnosis, exact materials, clinician, number of appointments, travel, accommodation and the arrangements if additional treatment is needed after you return home.

General information only. Prices and currency equivalents can change. Obtain an individual examination and written quotation.

A dental crown is a fixed covering placed over a damaged or heavily restored tooth. It can protect the remaining tooth, restore its shape and support a tooth after root canal treatment. Crowns are also used on dental implants, but an implant crown sits on an artificial tooth root rather than a prepared natural tooth.

Why might a dentist recommend a crown?

A crown may be considered when a tooth is badly broken, weakened by a large filling, extensively worn or no longer strong enough to function safely without protection. It should not automatically be used for every cosmetic concern. Whitening, orthodontics, composite bonding or a veneer may preserve more natural tooth in suitable cases.

How is a crown fitted?

The dentist first examines the tooth, gums and bite. X-rays may be needed. For a conventional crown, the tooth is numbed and shaped so the crown can fit over it. An impression or digital scan is taken and a temporary crown may be fitted while the final restoration is made. At the fitting visit, the dentist checks the fit, appearance and bite before cementing it.

Does getting a crown hurt?

Local anaesthetic is normally used while the tooth is prepared, so treatment should not be painful. Some temporary sensitivity or gum tenderness can occur afterwards. Persistent pain, swelling, a crown that feels high when biting or increasing sensitivity needs assessment.

Questions to ask before treatment abroad

• Why does this tooth need a crown rather than a less invasive treatment?
• How much natural tooth will be removed?
• Which material is proposed and why?
• Is root canal treatment expected or only a possibility?
• How will temporary work and bite adjustments be handled?
• What happens if the crown chips, loosens or remains painful after I return home?

A crown is an irreversible treatment and may eventually need repair or replacement. Ask for a tooth-by-tooth written plan rather than agreeing to a fixed smile package.

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Continue your research: Dental bridges explained · Veneers versus crowns · Calculate the complete cost

General information only. This does not replace an examination or individual advice from a qualified dental professional.