Crown/Bridge Patient Information and Consent

Who needs crowns and bridges?

Crowns may be required if the teeth are badly decayed, broken down, poor colour or the wrong shape and need to be covered in order to save them. Bridges are used to fill up small gaps in the mouth where teeth have been lost or removed.

What materials are used for crowns and bridges?

Front crowns and bridges will be made of porcelain with or without a metal backing. The metal gives strength, the porcelain gives a natural appearance. Further back in the mouth the need for strength is greater and so porcelain and metal or even metal on its own are the preferred options.

How long does crown and bridge treatment take?

Crowns and bridges usually take at least two visits. The first visit is to prepare the tooth, by smoothing it down. An impression is taken and a temporary crown is fitted. The temporary crown is made from a plastic based material so it would be wise to avoid hard and strongly coloured foodstuffs. About two weeks later the crown or bridge is fitted.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

As long as the teeth and gums are maintained by both patient and dentist, crowns and bridges can last for many years. However no absolute guarantee can ever be given and they may need to be replaced in time.

Are there any alternatives to crowns or bridges?

If the tooth is badly broken down or in very poor shape, the there may be no alternative to a crown.

Are there any risks associated with their provision?

The underlying tooth can still breakdown, or it may require root canal treatment before or after the procedure, at additional cost.

Crown and Bridge Consent form 

According to your exam with your dentist, you need to have a Crown or Bridge. Crown restorations cover and protect teeth that have been weakened by decay, prior restorations, or root canal treatment. Although the vast majority of patients do not suffer from any complications when undergoing this treatment the following complications are possible and you should be aware of them:

·Reduction of tooth structure: In order to replace decayed or otherwise traumatized teeth it is necessary to modify the existing tooth or teeth so that crowns (caps) and/or bridges may be placed upon them. Tooth preparation will be done as conservatively as practical. In preparation of teeth, anesthetics are usually needed. At times there may be swelling, jaw muscle tenderness or even a resultant numbness of the tongue, teeth, jaws and/or facial tissues which is usually temporary, or, rarely, permanent.

·Sensitivity of teeth: Often, after the preparation of teeth for the reception of either crowns or bridges, the teeth may exhibit sensitivity. It may be mild to severe. This sensitivity may last only for a short period of time or may last for longer periods. If it is persistent, notify us as this sensitivity may be from some other source.

·Undiagnosed underlying problems: Once prior fillings any decay are removed, it may reveal a more severe condition of the tooth. This condition may require root canal treatment in addition to crown restoration, or may instead require the extraction of the tooth.

·Crowned or bridge abutment teeth may require root canal treatment: Teeth after being crowned may develop a condition known as pulpitis or pulpal degeneration. The tooth or teeth may have been traumatised from an accident, deep decay, extensive preparation, or other causes. It is often necessary to do root canal treatments in these teeth, If teeth remain too sensitive for long periods of time following crowning, root canal treatment may be necessary. Infrequently, the tooth (teeth) may abscess or otherwise not heal which may require root canal treatment, root surgery, or possibly extraction.

·Breakage: Crowns and bridges may possibly chip or break. Many factors could contribute to this situation such as chewing excessively hard materials, changes in biting forces, traumatic blows to the mouth. etc. Unobservable cracks may develop in crowns from these causes, but the crowns/bridges may not actually break until chewing soft foods or possibly for no apparent reason. Breakage or chipping seldom occurs due to defective materials or construction unless it occurs soon after placement.

·Receding gum line: There may be injury to gums adjacent to the tooth. The gum may recede after the completion of crown restoration.

·Uncomfortable or strange feeling: This may occur because of the differences between natural teeth and the artificial replacements. Most patients usually become accustomed to this feeling in time. In limited situations, muscle soreness or tenderness of the jaw joints (TMJ) may persist for indeterminable periods of time following placement of the prosthesis.

·Esthetics or appearance: Patients will be given the opportunity to observe the appearance of crowns or bridges in place prior to final cementation.

·Longevity of crowns and bridges: There are many variables that determine "how long" crowns and bridges can be expected to last. Among these are some of the factors mentioned in preceding paragraphs. Additionally, general health, good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, diet, etc., can affect longevity. Because of this, no guarantees can be made or assumed to be made.

·Seek help: It is a patient's responsibility to seek attention from the dentist should any undue or unexpected problems occur. The patient must diligently follow any and all instructions, including the scheduling and attending all appointments. Failure to keep the cementation appointment can result in ultimate failure of the crown/bridge to fit properly.

Patient Consent 

I hereby consent to undergo the above treatment(s) as explained to me by the dentist. The dentist has explained the nature of the treatment, its purpose, risks and alternative options to me. I have been given the opportunity to ask questions.