What is a root canal treatment and why is it performed?

A root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. It cleans and seals the root canals and restores the tooth with a filling or crown to stop pain and avoid extraction.

How is a root canal carried out and is it painful?

Under local anaesthetic, the dentist accesses the tooth chamber, removes damaged tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills them with a biocompatible material. The procedure is gentle, and discomfort is typically no worse than having a deep filling.

What should I expect after treatment and how long will the tooth last?

Some mild tenderness may occur for a few days, which is usually manageable with over‑the‑counter pain relief. A properly restored root canal tooth can last many years—often decades—when cared for with good oral hygiene and regular check‑ups.

Crowns and Bridges in Wollongong and Warrawong

Bespoke Dental Studio caters to all patients of all ages. We pride ourselves as true family dentists. We cater to all forms of general dentistry, as well as cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We are proud providers for the Illawarra Area Health Service.

We provide :

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are a fixed solution to missing or damaged teeth. This restorative procedure uses prosthetic devices to return your smile to its natural state. A crown is used when the tooth structure is damaged or fractured. A bridge is used when one or more teeth are missing.

Repair & Protect

What is a crown?

A crown is basically a manufactured tooth. It’s generally made of porcelain or ceramic that can be colour and texture-matched to your existing teeth. A crown can also be made of gold alloys for improved strength when replacing a back tooth. Often a metal crown will have porcelain bonded to the exterior to give it strength and a natural look.

How is a crown fitted?

Crowns are used when an existing tooth is damaged, fractured or weakened. The tooth is filed down and reshaped into a smaller size. Any decay is removed and the tooth structure is prepared to support the crown. The crown fits like a cap over the newly shaped tooth and is cemented into position.

Replace & Restore

What is a bridge?

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJD) disorders.

How is a bridge fitted?

A bridge consists of false teeth rigidly attached between two crowns. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for these crowns and the bridge is cemented into place. In some cases, it’s possible to use implants to replace the missing teeth rather than using the existing teeth. Once a bridge is cemented into position, it looks and works just like natural teeth.

When is a crown or bridge required?

A tooth is fractured or damaged

Too much decay has weakened a tooth

A tooth is severely discoloured

A tooth is misshaped

A dental bridge needs an anchor.

A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is also a possible solution when dentures are unstable, uncomfortable or aesthetically displeasing.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

The treatment procedure usually takes two appointments. At your first appointment:

01

Preparation

Your tooth/teeth will be prepared and shaped for the crown/bridgework.

02

3D Digital scan

A 3D digital scan will be taken of your teeth so that a laboratory can custom-create your dental crown/bridge.

03

Temporary crown/bridge

A temporary crown/bridge is made to protect the tooth/teeth and keep you smiling.

Crown and bridge care

Once your crown or bridge is fitted, it’s important to maintain a regular and effective routine of oral hygiene. Brush and floss at least twice a day, taking extra care to floss around your crown. This will help avoid decay where the crown and the tooth join. Avoid sticky foods such as toffee and lollies, and do not use your teeth inappropriately – chewing pens, crunching ice, gnawing fingernails, etc.

A dental floss threader, which looks like a small bendy brush, can be used to clean under your bridge. There are also water jets on the market that will help keep your bridge clean.

Whether you have a crown or a bridge, the most important thing is to regularly visit your dentist for a check-up and clean.

How long will a bridge or crown last?

How long your crown and bridge lasts will depend on the effectiveness and regularity of your dental hygiene routine. They usually last between 7-15 years, but longer periods are certainly possible with outstanding oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Need more information? Contact the experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental crowns and bridges?

A crown is a custom-made cap fitted over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore function and strength. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a pontic (false tooth) to crowns on adjacent natural teeth or implants.

When is a crown or bridge recommended?

Crowns are recommended for teeth that are broken, heavily restored, or weakened by root canal treatment. Bridges are suggested when you have one or more missing teeth and want to restore chewing, speech, and appearance without implants.

How do I care for crowns and bridges long-term?

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing around the restoration, and visiting the dentist regularly. Avoid very hard or sticky foods to prevent damage. With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years.

Book Your Appointment Today

Whether you need a dentist in Warrawong or Wollongong, we’d love to welcome you to Bespoke Dental.

Call or book online now to experience calm, personalised care that puts your comfort first.