Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns:

These prosthetic devices are used to replace missing tooth structure or to provide support after a tooth has undergone therapy. These dental crowns cap a tooth and provide support from all sides. They are usually indicated when the tooth has too much structure missing due to a large cavity or root canal. They can be made of different materials, each one with their own pros and cons so it is important to consult with a dentist about this process. Taking about two appointments, a dentist will shape the tooth in the first visit and have a finished crown to place on the second visit. In between visits you will usually wear a temporary crown. Dental crowns restore function and esthetics to a broken down tooth and if properly cared for they can last for a very long time.

Dental Bridges:

A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. When a patient presents with a missing tooth a dental bridge is one of the options dentists use to restore it. Other methods include implants and partial dentures. Bridges are usually three connected crowns, two abutments and one pontic. Abutments are your existing teeth that will support the false tooth (pontic). Dentists and Laboratories strive to restore function and esthetics so your final result usually looks very natural. The process of receiving a dental bridge is very similar to the process for dental crowns.