Dental crowns and bridges are used to restore the function and appearance of natural teeth. A dental crown is a dental restoration procedure in which an artificial cap-like structure is permanently fitted over a damaged or decayed tooth that is still intact. They can be made from a variety of dental materials such as:
- Porcelain
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
- Metal
- Stainless steel
- Resin
A dental bridge is a method of replacing missing teeth with artificial ones. A bridge is composed of one or more artificial teeth (known as pontics) fused to two crowns that attach to the surrounding teeth for support. A dental bridge restores your smile and can be used when there is only one missing tooth or several missing teeth in the same area of the mouth. There are different types of bridges, including:
1. Traditional Bridges: A traditional bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth attached to crowns that fit over the surrounding teeth.
2. Cantilever Bridges: A cantilever bridge is made up of one crown and one fake tooth.
3. Maryland Bridges: A Maryland Bridge is very similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of crowns covering each tooth, it is held in place by a metal framework bonded to the surrounding teeth.
4. Implant-Supported Bridges: An implant-supported bridge is used to replace one or more missing natural teeth with artificial teeth that are held in place by dental implants.
Did You Know?
Dental crowns have been a part of dentistry for hundreds of years. Before the modern dental crowns made of porcelain, ancient civilizations used to fabricate crowns from materials like bone, gold, and ivory.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a dental crown or bridge?
Dental crowns and bridges may be necessary when a tooth has been significantly damaged from an injury or decay. Dental crowns may be used in cases where enough of the natural tooth remains intact, while dental bridges are used in cases where one or more natural teeth has fallen out or been extracted. Dental crowns are also necessary after undergoing root canal treatment. To determine if you need a dental crown or bridge, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dickey of Dickey Dental today.
How is a dental crown or bridge placed a Dickey Dental?
At Dickey Dental, a dental crown or bridge can be placed in one or two visits by Dr. Dickey. When having a dental crown or bridge placed, the tooth will be prepared for the crown or bridge by removing any decay and shaping the tooth. To place a crown, the tooth will need to be slightly reduced in size. After the teeth have been prepared, a dental impression or oral scan will be taken of the mouth.
The dental impression will be sent to the lab, where the crown or bridge is made. A temporary crown or bridge will then be placed in your mouth until the permanent restoration is returned from the lab. Once the permanent restoration has been received, you can return to Dickey Dental for a second visit so he can place the final crown or bridge.
Dickey Dental also offers same-day crowns, check out our CEREC page for more information.
Will I have any special guidelines to follow after my appointment?
After your appointment, you may need to follow a few special guidelines. For example, temporary crowns and bridges are not as strong or well-fitted as permanent restorations. This means they are more likely to become damaged. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to avoid chewing on the same side as your temporary restoration.
Once your permanent crown or bridge is placed, you can resume your usual diet and routine. You will care for your dental restoration by brushing and flossing, and visiting Dr. Dickey regularly for checkups. In some cases, you may experience some minor soreness until your mouth has adapted to the new restoration.
