Crowns or bridges are used by dentists to replace a missing tooth or to restore a broken tooth. These are two long-lasting solutions to serious oral problems. Your oral hygiene affects your overall health so you must see to it that you practice good dental hygiene.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth to help in the restoration of the tooth. The size, shape and the strength of a tooth are repaired. The crown covers the part the tooth that is showing above the gum line. Teeth that have been cracked or worn down by tooth decay are also protected with crowns.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge, as the term implies bridge the gap between missing teeth. A bridge has two crowns, one for each tooth that surrounds the gap. In between the crowned teeth, a false tooth is placed. These dental bridges are supported by the natural teeth or implants as the case may be. Bridges can help restore your bite and smile, and prevent the remaining teeth from moving.
What to Expect During a Dental Crown Procedure
There are different crowns that can be used: ceramic, resin, porcelain, and stainless steel. There are pros and cons for each of these types so you have to consult with your dentist to find out the best one for you.
You will need two dental visits when you undergo the dental crown procedure. The first visit will involve tooth examination. Your dentist will check if your tooth can support a crown. If a tooth is heavily damaged, there may be a need to fill it in so that it will be able to receive the crown. Once the tooth is shaped and filled to its appropriate shape, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and send it to the laboratory. Before you leave for your first dentist appointment, a temporary crown will be in place to protect your teeth until the permanent one is ready.
As soon as your crown is done, you will make another trip to your dentist so that the new crown will be secured to your tooth. It may take some time for you to get used to the crown.
What to Expect During a Dental Bridge Procedure
The dental bridge procedure is pretty much similar to getting a dental crown. You will also be fitted for bridge and crowns and be made to wear a temporary bridge until the permanent one is ready.