Brosy Family Dentistry
All About Crowns & Bridges
What are Dental Crowns & Tooth Bridges?
Crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth, covering the tooth to restore it's shape, size, strength and appearance. A crown may be needed to:
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking, or to hold together a cracked tooth.
- Restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that is severely worn down. Cover a tooth with a very large filling.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Cover misshapened or severely discolored teeth.
- Cover a dental implant.
- Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or full gold.
Dental Crown Treatment
The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits. During the first appointment, the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so that you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to our local dental lab so that your new crown can be made to fit in the spot created for it and so it looks the same as the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, we will fit you with a temporary crown that will stay in place until your permanent crown is ready.
Dental Crown Post-Procedure
The crown takes seven to fourteen days to be returned to our office. At this time you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown. You will again have a local anesthetic to numb the area and the tooth will be placed using a cement to ensure the tooth sets in place. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last many years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge consists of two crowns on either end to place on the abutments and a pontic, which is the new tooth that replaces your missing tooth.
We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to set the bridge. It will be placed on the abutments and the dentist will then use an adhesive to make sure that the bridge is set.
Post-Procedure for Dental Bridges
The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again. You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues.
If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.