A Complete Guide To Dental Crown & Bridge
Do you have a missing tooth or teeth due to decay, infection, or trauma? Dental crowns and bridges are one of the most reliable and efficient solutions for restoring your smile. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about dental crowns & bridges – from what they are to how they can improve oral health and aesthetics.
What is a dental crown & bridge?
A dental crown is an artificial restoration that fits over an existing natural tooth. It is typically made of porcelain or metal and used to protect weakened teeth and restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Similarly, a dental bridge is a false replacement tooth held in place by 2 dental crowns that bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
What are the types of dental crowns?
The type of dental crown used depends on several factors, such as where the tooth is located, the patient’s preference, and the budget. Dental crowns include porcelain fused to metal (PFM), total gold, all-ceramic, zirconia, and eMax. Your dentist will help you decide which height best suits your needs.
Benefits of Dental Crown & Bridge
Dental crowns and bridges offer several advantages, such as improved oral health, enhanced aesthetics, better bite force distribution, protection from bacteria accumulation and decay, decreased tooth sensitivity, and prevention of further damage to the existing teeth.
How long do crowns & bridges last?
Dental crowns and bridges typically last between 5 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Factors such as grinding or clenching can affect their lifespan.
Procedure for getting a dental crown & bridge
The procedure involves several steps, including preparation of the affected tooth, taking an impression, making provisional restoration (temporary crown/bridge), and cementation of the final restoration (permanent crown/bridge). Your dentist will recommend one of the best options for your particular situation.
Preparation for Dental Crown & Bridge
During the preparation phase, your dentist will remove any decay and weak parts of the existing tooth. Then, they will shape and reduce it to make room for the dental crown or bridge to be placed. The size and shape are important factors to ensure the restoration fits properly in the mouth without feeling uncomfortable.
Impression
Once the preparation is done, an impression of your teeth is taken using either a wax bite or a digital scanner. A dental lab technician will use this impression to create a customized dental crown or bridge that perfectly fits your mouth.
Provisional Restoration (Temporary Crown/Bridge)
While waiting for the permanent restoration from the lab, your dentist will place a temporary crown or bridge to protect the prepared tooth and provide you with a natural look.
Permanent Restoration (Cementation)
Once the custom-made dental crown or bridge arrives from the lab, it is fit into place and held using dental cement. Your dentist will check for proper fitting and adjust if needed. Finally, they will take an X-ray to ensure everything looks good before permanently attaching it to your teeth.
Care & Maintenance of Dental Crowns & Bridges
Taking care of your dental crowns and bridges is essential for longevity and oral health. With proper care, they can last for several years without any problems. Some tips for caring for dental crowns and bridges include brushing twice daily, flossing daily, avoiding hard food items, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary foods, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning.
A dental crown or bridge is an effective solution to replace missing teeth or restore damaged ones. It can improve oral health as well as aesthetics. The procedure involves several steps, including preparation of the affected tooth, taking an impression, making provisional restoration (temporary crown/bridge), and cementation of the final restoration (permanent crown/bridge). They can last between 5 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.