Crowns and Bridges

When the entire surface of a tooth is a problem, but the root system is intact, a dental crown might be just what the dentist orders.

Dental bridges replace missing teeth by "bridging" the gap between two remaining teeth.

Crowns

As we age, many of us find ourselves with teeth that are no longer structurally sound. Root canals, lost fillings, decay below a filling, chipping and cracking of the enamel are all things that can lead to large scale defects in a tooth's surface.

Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, cover damaged or discolored teeth.

Crowns cover the entire tooth, protects or strengthens weakened teeth, or restore a disfigured tooth to its original shape. . Crowns are usually made of precious metal, porcelain, or a combination of both.

The "capping" procedure takes place under anesthetic.

The dentist first shapes your existing tooth to avoid awkward-looking, oversized teeth. and also to make a cap that can easily fit.

He will then make a replica of your tooth. Usually, this replica will be a putty mold. This mold is then sent to a laboratory, where the crown will be made based on this mold.

In the case of a porcelain fused to metal or all ceramic crown, the dentist will choose a shade closely matching the color of the surrounding teeth.

You will return about two weeks later to have the crown fitted and, once both you and your dentist are satisfied with the "look and feel" of the crown, it will be cemented over your original tooth.

Bridges

Bridges are natural in appearance, and usually require only two visits to us. If you maintain good oral hygiene, your fixed bridge should last many years . If spaces from missing teeth are left unfilled, they may cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of position.

Additionally, spaces from missing teeth can cause your other teeth and your gums to become far more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

In traditional bridges, also called fixed bridges-the dentist creates a pontic, or false, tooth with a dental crown on either side. The crowns are fitted over the remaining teeth to hold the false tooth in place.

To design a bridge, a dentist must first shape the teeth to make room for the crowns. He then makes a mold of the teeth. This mold is then sent off to a laboratory, where the actual crowns and bridge are made. With proper oral hygiene, bridges can last for decades. However, improper or infrequent brushing and flossing, irregular dental visits, and excessive sugar and starch intake can all bring untimely damage to the bridge. back to services