Dental crowns and bridges in Busan
A crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth; a bridge replaces a missing tooth by joining crowns on the teeth either side. At Dr. Oh's Dental Clinic in Haeundae, Busan, both usually take two visits about one to two weeks apart, with a temporary crown fitted in between.
When a crown is the right answer
A crown is indicated when too much tooth structure is gone for a filling to be reliable: after a root canal, after a large old filling fractures, or when a cusp has broken away. A filling in that situation tends to work loose and take part of the tooth with it.
If the tooth is largely intact and the damage is small, we will place a filling instead. Crowning a tooth that does not need it is over-treatment, and we will say so.
Choosing a material
| Material | Appearance | Strength | Best position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | Tooth-coloured, opaque to translucent | Very high | Anywhere, especially molars |
| Layered porcelain on zirconia | Most natural-looking | High | Front teeth |
| E.max / lithium disilicate | Excellent translucency | High for its thickness | Front teeth, premolars |
| Gold alloy | Metallic | Very high, kind to opposing teeth | Back molars where appearance is not a concern |
| PFM (porcelain fused to metal) | Good, can show a dark margin over time | High | General use, lower cost |
Bridge or implant?
For a single missing tooth, both work. The difference is what they cost the neighbouring teeth.
- A bridge is faster — usually two to three weeks — and does not involve surgery. But the two supporting teeth must be reduced, and if they are healthy that is a permanent trade.
- An implant takes months and involves minor surgery, but leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched and preserves the bone in the gap.
If the neighbouring teeth already have large fillings or crowns, the argument shifts toward a bridge, because they need covering anyway.
The two-visit process
At the first visit the tooth is shaped, a digital scan or impression is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted. The laboratory then makes the permanent crown. At the second visit we check the fit, the contact with adjacent teeth and the bite, adjust as needed, and cement it. If the shade is not right at the try-in, we send it back rather than cement it and hope.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dental crowns last?
Well-made crowns commonly last ten to fifteen years or more. What usually fails is not the crown itself but decay at the margin where it meets the tooth, which is why cleaning around the edge and regular check-ups matter more than the material choice.
Does Korean health insurance cover crowns?
Partially. Some crown types on specific teeth receive National Health Insurance support, while aesthetic materials are usually private. Coverage rules change, so we check your case against the current rules at the consultation and tell you which part is insured before you agree to anything.
Can a crown be made in one visit?
Same-day chairside crowns are possible in some clinics with milling equipment. Our standard workflow is a laboratory-made crown over two visits, which gives more control over shade and shape, particularly for front teeth. Ask at the consultation if a compressed schedule is essential for your travel dates.
My crown came off. Is that an emergency?
It is urgent but not usually painful. Keep the crown, do not attempt to glue it yourself with household adhesive, and contact us — see emergency dental care. In many cases the same crown can be re-cemented if the underlying tooth is sound.