Dental crowns and bridges are common dental restorations used to repair damaged or missing teeth. Here’s what you need to know about crowns and bridges:
Dental Crown: A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal alloys.
Here are some key components of the dental crown procedure:
Examination: Your dentist will first examine your teeth and take X-rays to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if a crown is the right option for you.
Preparation: Before placing the crown, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decay or damage and reshaping the tooth to accommodate the crown.
Impression: Next, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab, where a custom crown will be created to fit your tooth precisely.
Temporary Crown: While your permanent crown is being made, your dentist will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent crown over the prepared tooth, securing it in place with dental cement.
Dental Bridge: A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored in place using adjacent teeth as support, and can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal alloys.
Here are some key components of the dental bridge procedure:
Examination: Your dentist will first examine your teeth and take X-rays to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine if a bridge is the right option for you.
Preparation: Before placing the bridge, your dentist will prepare the adjacent teeth by removing a portion of their enamel to accommodate the bridge.
Impression: Next, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab, where a custom bridge will be created to fit your mouth precisely.
Temporary Bridge: While your permanent bridge is being made, your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and prevent shifting.
Placement: Once the permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent bridge over the prepared teeth, securing it in place with dental cement.
Dental crowns and bridges can help restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth, and can also help prevent further damage or decay. If you are considering a dental crown or bridge, it is important to discuss all available treatment options with your dentist and carefully weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks before proceeding with the procedure.