Bridges & Crowns
Are you considering dental crowns to rejuvenate your smile?
When a tooth is damaged, restoring it is crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing further costly procedures. Crowns not only improve the function of your smile, but they also offer cosmetic benefits. At Asian Dental, we’re dedicated to giving you a beautiful, lasting smile that you’ll feel confident about.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a type of cap that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its natural appearance and function. The crown is designed to cover the entire visible surface of the tooth.
Why do I need a dental crown?
Crowns are a versatile dental appliance that can be used for structural, restorative, and cosmetic purposes. Here are some common reasons why a dental crown may be used:
- To attach a bridge
- To protect a weak tooth
- To restore a broken tooth
- To cover a dental implant
- To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
- To cover a tooth after root canal treatment
- To replace a filling when there isn’t enough tooth left.
What to expect when getting a dental crown
Dental crowns usually require two dental visits to complete. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to ensure that the crown fits properly. The dentist will then take an impression of the prepared tooth, which will be sent to a dental lab to create a custom-made crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown will be placed over the tooth.
Once the permanent crown is ready, the patient will return to the dental office to have it placed. The dentist will ensure that the crown matches the color of the patient’s other teeth so that it blends in naturally and looks aesthetically pleasing. The purpose of the crown is to restore the tooth’s strength and natural appearance.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent artificial device used to replace missing teeth and restore overall oral function. The bridge spans the gap created by missing teeth by attaching to the teeth on either side of the gap. In many cases, this involves placing a crown on the adjacent teeth to support an artificial tooth between them. Our goal is to ensure a natural and high-quality outcome.
For some patients with healthy gums and a proper bite, a bonded bridge known as a Maryland bridge may be an option. These bridges require minimal or no preparation and can provide significant cost savings compared to traditional bridges.
FAQs
Bridges and crowns are dental restorations that are used to repair or replace damaged teeth. Crowns are caps that fit over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, while bridges are used to replace missing teeth by attaching a prosthetic tooth to adjacent teeth.
Crowns are typically used to protect a damaged tooth from further decay or damage, to restore a broken tooth, or to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth. They can also be used to cover a dental implant or to anchor a dental bridge.
The lifespan of crowns and bridges can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits like smoking. With proper care, they can last up to 15 years or longer.
The process of getting a crown or bridge typically involves two or more dental appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth and take impressions of the teeth. A temporary crown or bridge is placed while the permanent one is being made in a dental laboratory. At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed and the permanent crown or bridge is cemented in place.
