Dental Crowns & Bridges are prosthetic dental devices that can be used to repair and replace missing teeth, protect damaged teeth, or improve the appearance of a smile. They can be created in-office or at a dental laboratory from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia.
Using dental crowns and bridges, the dentist can repair and replace teeth that are chipped, broken, fractured, or severely discolored. They can also be used to improve the strength of a tooth, cover a dental implant, or restore a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy.
A crown is a custom-fitted, tooth-shaped prosthetic that’s cemented over a damaged or discolored tooth to restore its shape and strength. Crowns can be made from a wide range of materials, from gold alloys to base metals.
Porcelain Crowns – These durable shells of tooth-colored porcelain completely cover the surface of a tooth or dental implant to strengthen the mouth’s structure and create the appearance of a full smile. They’re biocompatible and resist wear and fracturing, which makes them an excellent choice for strengthening weak or worn teeth.
Gold Alloy Crowns – These dental prosthetics are often more durable than base metal crowns, which can be vulnerable to wear and fracturing. They can also help improve a tooth’s appearance, as they can be color matched to match the natural shade of other teeth in your smile.
They’re also resistant to bacteria growth, which can make them an excellent option for patients with sensitive teeth.
The process for a dental crown involves first preparing the damaged or missing tooth, which means removing part of the enamel so that we can place a cap over it. We use a local anesthetic to make the procedure comfortable and pain-free.
Next, the dental professional in Sarasota will take an impression of the prepared tooth to make a model that the lab can use to create your final crown. The dental professional will also need to reduce the size of the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap) so that your crown will fit properly.
Once your tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth until your permanent one is ready. After your crown is made, you’ll need to come back for a follow-up appointment to have your new crown fitted.
Your crown will need to be carefully maintained, and you’ll want to see the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. The lifespan of your restoration depends on how well you maintain it.
How to Care for a Dental Bridge/Crown
When you have a bridge, you will need to clean it daily, as it’s important to keep it free from food particles that can get caught in the gaps between your new false teeth. Brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush and flossing between your new teeth is the best way to keep your bridge in good condition.
Your dental bridge will last for many years if you care for it correctly and visit your dentist regularly. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, you’ll have a healthy, happy smile for the rest of your life.