Dentures are removable replacements for teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures can be fabricated – complete (when all teeth are missing) and partial (when some natural teeth are present in the mouth).
Crowns and Bridges are an ideal course of treatment for a fractured tooth, covering a discolored tooth or an implant.
At Floss Dental, our Prosthodontists help you make the right decision for your dentures, crowns and bridges keeping in mind facial aesthetics, cost, function, and nature of disease.
What are Dental Crowns? How are they different from Dental Bridges?
A Dental Crown, also known as a ‘cap’, is often used to restore shape, appearance and function to a damaged tooth. A Crown is a hollow and artificial tooth that is used to cover damaged or decayed teeth and prevents further damage. It is possible that you might need a Dental Crown after undergoing a root canal treatment or a large filling as well.
A Dental Bridge is a form of dental restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. The Bridge is held in place by a crown on each end and is necessary to prevent the other teeth from shifting. Shifting teeth causes your natural bite to be distorted, leads to gum disease.
Do I need a Dental Crown?
Dental Crowns provide your tooth with support and strength, and also improve the overall appearance. If you find yourself facing any of the following conditions, your dentist might recommend that you get a Dental Crown:
- Fractured Tooth
- Teeth Restoration post Root Canal Treatment
- Discoloration of Tooth
- Missing Teeth that require a Dental Bridge
What is the procedure for getting a crown or bridge?
The procedure normally takes two separate visits. The first visit consists of tooth examination by your dentist to make sure it can support a dental crown. The dentist files down the tooth to prepare for the crown. After your tooth has been formed to support a dental crown, impressions of the tooth will be taken and those surrounding it for the lab.
The second visit is to have the permanent crown fixed. The permanent crown is affixed to the tooth with a special adhesive. The crown feels foreign immediately after your procedure, but before long it will feel and functions just like a natural tooth.
After the procedure there is slight sensitivity, especially to cold, for a few days. One should avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days. Also, you may have some discomfort in the gums and around the tooth. If your gums are tender, rinse with warm water with salt to help with the discomfort.
One should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and visiting your dentist for a cleaning and exam twice per yearto increase the life span of a crown/bridge.
What will be the duration of my treatment?
Placing a dental crown or a bridge usually requires that you visit your dentist twice, with each appointment lasting for approximately 45 minutes. At Floss Dental we also ensure that you completely understand the need for a dental crown or a bridge before we begin treatment.
After a crown or a bridge is properly placed, it lasts for about 5 to 8 years and can last even longer with proper care.
What types of Crowns and Bridges are available?
Since Dental Crowns are made from various materials, your prosthodontist will help you choose the best one depending on the tooth. At Floss Dental we use the following Dental Crowns regularly:
- Metal Crowns
- Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns (PFM Crowns) -These crownshas a metal base and tooth colored coating on the outer surface to make them esthetic crowns. But these crowns have a drawback that the tooth colored coating might chip after sometime due to pressure or trauma.
- Zirconia Crowns (Metal Free Crowns) - Most recent variety of crowns which come with a warranty of either 10yr or 15 years.
There are also different types of Dental Bridges. Depending on the location of missing teeth, your prosthodontist will help you choose the one that is right for you. At Floss Dental we offer the following types of Dental Bridges:
- Traditional Bridges – In this type of bridges the support is taken from the adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth. The adjacent might need to undergo Root canal treatment before placing the bridge.
- Implant Bridges- In this type of bridge missing teeth are replaced using implant as support. These can be used when more than one tooth are missing.
- Maryland Bridges - Maryland bridges are conservative alternative to traditional bridges. They consist of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework is bonded onto the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
- Cantilever Bridges - They are similar to traditional bridges. The pontic is supported by an abutment on only one side, rather than on both sides.