Dental crowns and bridges are solutions that offer both functionality and aesthetics, making them vital tools in enhancing your smile and oral well-being.
The following post will delve into the world of dental crowns and bridges, two essential treatments that play a crucial role in restoring and enhancing your dental health. Whether you’re facing damaged teeth or tooth loss, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your oral care.
Dental crowns, commonly known as “tooth caps”, are custom-made restorations designed to cover and protect a damaged or weakened tooth.
Dental crowns are commonly used to address issues such as cracks, large cavities or teeth that have undergond root canal treatment. Crowns not only improve the tooth’s strength but also enhance it’s appearance.
The crown placement process typically involves a few appointments. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Consultation: One of our skilled dentists will begin by examining your tooth to assess its condition and treatment options. A dental scan may be taken to evaluate the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone
2. Tooth Preparation: once a crown has been determined as necessary, we will bring you in for the crown preparation appointment. This begins with one of our dentist’s numbing the tooth and surrounding areas with local anesthetic.
The dentist will shape the tooth by removing any decay or damage. This step ensures that the crown will fit properly over the tooth. In cases where the tooth is severely damaged or has undergona a root canal, the dentist may need to build up the core of the tooth for better crown support.
3. Digital Impression (scan): After the tooth is prepared, the dentist will taken a digital impression scan of your tooth and surrounding teeth. This impression is then sent off to a lab and serves as a model for crafting your custom crown.
4. Temporary Crown: while the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory (which usually takes 2-3 weeks), a temporary crown is often placed over the prepared tooth to protect it. This temporary crown is usually made from a temporary material.
5. Crown Fabrication: a dental technician in a laboratory will use the impression to create a custome crown that matches the shape, size and colour of your natural teeth. The crown can be made from various materials, such as, porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination (porcelain-fused-to-metal).
6. Crown Placement: once the permanent crown is ready we will have it fitted to your tooth.
This process begins by removing your temporary crown and the permanent crown is cemented or bonded into place over the prepared tooth.
At this stage, your dentist will ensure that the crown fits comfortably and doesn’t interfere with your bite. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure proper alignment.
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
Bridges are an excellent solution for restoring your smile and preventing dental issues caused by tooth loss.
Similary to a dental crown, the dental bridge process typically involves a few appointments. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Consultation: One of our skilled dentists will begin by examining your tooth to assess its condition and treatment options. A dental scan may be taken to evaluate the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone
2. Tooth Preparation: In most cases, the teeth adjacent to the missing teeth (known as abutment teeth) will need to be prepared to support the bridge. The dentist will remove a portion of the enamel from these teeth to make room for the crowns that will anchor the bridge.
Local anesthesia is used throughout this process to ensure your comfort.
4. Digital Impression (scan): Once the abutment teeth are prepared, a digital impression of your teeth and the gap is scanned. This impression will serve as a model for creating your dental bridge.
5. Temporary Bridge: While the permanent bridge is being fabricated in a dental laboratory (which usually takes 2-3 weeks), your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics.
6. Bridge Fabrication: skilled technicians in the laboratory will use the digitial impression to create a custom bridge. The bridge is designed to match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth.
The type of material used for your bridge (e.g., porcelain, ceramic, metal) will be determined by your dentist based on your specific need and preferences
7. Bridge Placement & Adjustment: Once the permanent bridge is ready, we will begin the next appointment by removing the temporary bridge. Once removed, the permanent bridge is checked for fit, aesthetics and bite alignment. If everything is satisfactory, the bridge is cemented or bonded in place using dental adhesive.
At this appointment, your dentist will ensure that the bridge feels comfortable and functions correctly. Any necessary adjustments will be made to achieve the correct bite and alignment.
To ensure that your crown and/ or bridge serves you well for years to come, it’s essential to know how to care for them properly.
1. Daily Oral Hygiene: brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush twice a day. Floss regularly to remove plaque and debris around the crown or bridge.
2. Diet: avoid hard foods and limit sugary or acidic items to protect your restoration.
3. Regular Dental Vistis: Keep your scheduled dental check-ups for professional monitoring and cleaning.
4. Stay Vigilant: watch for changes or discomfort around your crown or bridge and report any concerns to our clinic promptly