A dental crown or bridge can be the perfect solution for repairing or replacing damaged teeth. When done by a skilled and experienced dentist, such procedures can restore the function, appearance, and health of your smile.
The best dental implant specialist can help you decide whether a crown or a bridge is the right option for your situation. The decision depends on a number of factors, including the type of tooth that needs to be restored, how many teeth are involved in the restoration, and how long you’ve had that restoration.
When a crown is needed, the damaged tooth will first need to be prepared for a crown, which includes removing any decayed areas and adding on a new layer of material. This will strengthen the tooth to help it withstand more damage from chewing, brushing, and flossing.
Before the crown is placed, the tooth will be shaped and polished to ensure that it fits properly. A mold will then be taken of the damaged tooth, and a dental lab will make your custom-fit crown from that model.
Generally, crowns are made out of various materials, including metal alloys, gold, or porcelain. Some of these are more durable than others.
A crown is most often used to repair a single tooth that has been severely decayed or broken down, but it can also be used for other purposes such as replacing a large filling or to fix a dental implant.
While crowns can be made from any type of material, Dr. Martinez prefers to use 100% porcelain crowns for most patients. This ensures that the restored tooth looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
The process for placing a crown typically involves several dental appointments. At the first appointment, the teeth that are being treated will need to be trimmed down so that they fit correctly.
Another appointment will be held to take an impression of the prepared teeth. This mold will be used to create your bridge in a dental laboratory, or if your restoration will be placed on implants, the bridge can be created in-office.
Once the lab has made your custom-fit bridge, your dental professional will place it on your teeth and check to make sure that it is secure. If it isn’t, you will need to have it removed at the next visit.
Getting a bridge can be a bit tricky because you must have healthy teeth on both sides of the area that is missing a tooth. These teeth will act as anchors for the bridge, which is why they need to be filed down by a dentist before they can be bonded to the replacement teeth in your bridge.