All You Need to Know About Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns and Bridges: Exploring Your Treatment Options

If you have teeth that need repair or replacement, your dentist may suggest a crown or a bridge. Understanding the differences between these treatments helps you make informed decisions.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dentists often use crowns when a filling isn't sufficient, such as after a root canal.

Crowns are durable and can last many years, offering a long-term solution for restoring individual teeth.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns on adjacent natural teeth. Bridges can be made from materials like porcelain, metal, or plastic, and are color-matched to your natural teeth.

Unlike a single crown, a bridge spans the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.

Getting a Dental Crown: What to Expect

Initial Visit

Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and prepare it by removing a portion of the enamel. This creates space for the crown. Next, they'll take an impression of your tooth, which is sent to a dental lab to create your custom crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth.Beaches Dental Mona Vale

Follow-Up Visit

Once your permanent crown is ready, you'll return to the dentist. They'll remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent one, making any necessary adjustments. Finally, the crown is cemented into place, restoring your tooth's function and appearance.

Getting a Dental Bridge: What to Expect

First Appointment

The process begins with your dentist preparing the abutment teeth (the teeth adjacent to the gap). They'll remove a portion of enamel to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge. Impressions of your teeth are then taken and sent to a lab to fabricate the bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums.

Second Appointment

When your permanent bridge is ready, you'll have a second appointment. The dentist will remove the temporary bridge and fit the new one, checking for proper fit and bite alignment. After any necessary adjustments, the bridge is cemented into place, completing the restoration.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing between a crown and a bridge depends on your specific dental needs. A crown is ideal for restoring a single damaged tooth, while a bridge is suitable for replacing one or more missing teeth. Consulting with your dentist will help determine the best option for your situation.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

At East Lansing Modern Dental, we're committed to providing top-quality dental care. Whether you need a crown or a bridge, our experienced team is here to help. We offer on-time, next-day, and walk-in appointments, as well as 24-hour emergency care. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your visit.