What are crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. A crown restores a severely decayed or damaged tooth. Crowns are custom made to fit over a tooth to the gumline, restoring the tooth’s function and appearance while preventing future decay.
When you’re missing one or more teeth, a bridge can permanently replace them with an artificial tooth attached to crowns on either side of the missing tooth. The bridge looks and functions like natural teeth. Dental bridges restore your smile and your ability to bite and chew.
What is the process for getting a crown?
Crowns require two appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Smith prepares the tooth by removing decay and takes an impression of your mouth. He places a temporary crown while the lab creates your permanent crown.
At the second appointment, Dr. Smith tests the fit of your permanent crown to ensure a comfortable fit. Once he properly places the crown, dental cement secures it permanently to your tooth.
What are the health problems associated with missing teeth?
In addition to self-confidence issues, missing one or more teeth affects your ability to bite and chew properly. Oral health problems may increase over time as missing teeth cause the teeth on either side of the empty space to move or tilt backward or forward.
Missing teeth may cause extra pressure on other teeth, which leads to excess wear-and-tear on the enamel. In addition, the lack of tooth roots in the jawbone can cause the jaw to deteriorate over time.
What problems do crowns and bridges fix?
Crowns fix teeth damaged beyond what a dental filling can restore, offering cosmetic and restorative solutions like:
- Restoring strength for weak, fractured, or damaged teeth
- Protecting teeth after root canals
- Supporting dental bridges
- Covering dental implants
Dr. Smith may recommend a dental bridge to:
- Relieve extra pressure on teeth
- Replace removable dentures with permanent artificial teeth
- Restore your ability to eat, chew, and speak normally
- Maintain the positioning of your teeth
- Improve your self-confidence
Dr. Smith will determine whether a custom dental bridge with a crown is the right choice for restoring your smile and tooth functioning after tooth loss, or if a crown is needed to restore a damaged tooth.
If you’re unsatisfied with your smile, dental crowns and bridges can improve the aesthetics of your teeth while restoring optimal oral health. To find out if you’re a candidate for a bridge or crown, call Johnny L. Smith, DMD, or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment today.
