Crowns and Bridges

CROWNS

WHAT IS A CROWN OR CAP?

A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth that is used to cover natural tooth or teeth either to strengthen them or replace a missing part of the tooth. A crown is cemented over either a natural tooth/teeth or dental implant.

Crowns or onlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength to hold a filling. Unlike fillings, which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth.

Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression, which enables a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is sculpted just for you so your bite and jaw function normally once the crown is placed.

WHY DO I NEED A DENTAL CROWN?

DR. NORESH MAY SUGGEST A CROWN...

• To protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• On a tooth that has received a root canal
• To restore a tooth that is already broken, decayed, or severely worn
• To stabilize a dental bridge
• Use in coordination with a dental implant
• Enhance the aesthetics of your smile

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS?

Different designs and materials are determined by our team.

• Zirconia is a very popular type of dental crown. It is a tooth-colored crown, has good strength, and mimics natural teeth very well.
• Crowns made of all metal (gold, alloy, platinum) can withstand a lot of pressure, which makes them great for chewing and long lasting. The main downside is the metallic and unnatural color.
• Porcelain crowns are often fused to metal. They can match the color of the adjacent teeth, so they can look very realistic. They do carry the risk of wearing down opposing teeth easily.
• All-resin crowns are probably the most affordable type. A big drawback is that they wear down easily, which makes them more susceptible to cracks than other crowns.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO MAKE A CROWN?

We will examine you and make the determination if you need a crown. We may take X-rays to evaluate the condition of the root.

Once the patient is comfortable, the tooth to be crowned is prepared: an impression is made either with digital scan or traditional putty impression. The impression is sent to the laboratory for crown fabrication.

About two weeks later, the final crown is seated with dental cement. In the mean time, a temporary crown is fabricated and cemented.

BRIDGES

WHAT IS A BRIDGE?

A dental bridge is an alternative to dental implants for replacement of missing tooth/teeth by taking support from adjacent teeth. As the name implies, a bridge connects two ends to close the gap created by a missing tooth/teeth. Materials used to fabricate the bridge are similar to crowns.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES?

TRADITIONAL DENTAL BRIDGE

This one is most commonly used. It replaces missing teeth and is connected to teeth adjacent to the gap. The teeth adjacent to the gap must be healthy.

MARYLAND DENTAL BRIDGE

This type of bridge is usually preferred for a missing front tooth. This still requires teeth on either sides. However, the connection on adjacent teeth will be accomplished with wings instead of full coverage of teeth.

CANTILEVER DENTAL BRIDGE

A cantilever bridge is when one end of the bridge is free standing. Only one end of the bridge is connected to an abutment (i.e., the tooth/teeth). This type of bridge is inferior to traditional bridge for function and longevity.

IMPLANT-SUPPORTED BRIDGES

A bridge can also be given over dental implants when there are multiple missing teeth. The traditional or cantilever bridge can be employed by using a similar principle for traditional bridges with different techniques.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A BRIDGE IS DELIVERED?

Brushing and maintenance are required with all dental prosthesis. When you have a bridge, extra effort is needed to clean under it. You must treat and care your dental prosthesis as if they were your natural teeth. They are prone to decay and diseases, especially a natural tooth lies under them.