Crowns
When the top of a tooth is lost due to decay there may be very little for the crown to actually hold onto. To gain retention a post is placed inside the tooth which forms a peg on top of the tooth and acts as a seat for the crown. Usually a post crown is a better option than having the tooth extracted with a subsequent denture or bridge, but post crowns last shorter than normal crowns.
When a tooth is heavily decayed it is more likely to fracture and lose considerable tooth substance. The greater risk is that a fracture line may go below the margin of the gum which makes restoration more difficult or near impossible. It is very important to see your dentist regularly to avoid this situation.
Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Most common types:
Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of teeth. However, more conservative techniques in cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers, inlays, onlays, bonding, and bleaching have replaced some of the instances when crowns were used in the past to achieve esthetic goals. Crowns are bonded onto the tooth with dental cement.
When a tooth is heavily decayed it is more likely to fracture and lose considerable tooth substance. The greater risk is that a fracture line may go below the margin of the gum which makes restoration more difficult or near impossible. It is very important to see your dentist regularly to avoid this situation.
Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Most common types:
- Metal
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Metal free
Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of teeth. However, more conservative techniques in cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers, inlays, onlays, bonding, and bleaching have replaced some of the instances when crowns were used in the past to achieve esthetic goals. Crowns are bonded onto the tooth with dental cement.
Bridges
If a tooth needs to be extracted or is already missing a bridge may be the solution. A bridge makes it possible to replace a lost tooth without the use of a denture or dental implant. However teeth, flanking the bridge must be reduced in order to accept the bridge structure. If these teeth already have crowns or restorations then this is not a problem, but when these teeth are healthy and whole these alterations must be deliberated.
The procedure for a crown or a bridge is very similar. Your dentist removes some of your tooth structure. An impression is made and the laboratory fabricates a custom made restoration. You will immediately get a temporary crown that protects your prepared tooth in case the temporary crown loses, which occurs quite often, immediately contact your dentist
With bridges or crowns, recovery is quick. It is not unusual for teeth to be sensitive for several days but if you feel uncomfortable please contact your dentist as further adjustments might be necessary. With care, crowns and bridges last 5-to 15 years or some significant longer. With crowns or bridges you need to avoid chewing things such as popcorn kernels, nutshells, ice etc to avoid risk of breakage. Like crowns, bridges are also being used less often, as dental implants are becoming more and more popular.
The procedure for a crown or a bridge is very similar. Your dentist removes some of your tooth structure. An impression is made and the laboratory fabricates a custom made restoration. You will immediately get a temporary crown that protects your prepared tooth in case the temporary crown loses, which occurs quite often, immediately contact your dentist
With bridges or crowns, recovery is quick. It is not unusual for teeth to be sensitive for several days but if you feel uncomfortable please contact your dentist as further adjustments might be necessary. With care, crowns and bridges last 5-to 15 years or some significant longer. With crowns or bridges you need to avoid chewing things such as popcorn kernels, nutshells, ice etc to avoid risk of breakage. Like crowns, bridges are also being used less often, as dental implants are becoming more and more popular.
Broken or chipped tooth? The problem can be solved!
Did you break your tooth by accident? Did you notice something hard in your mouth after a bite? See your dentist as soon as possible! A treatment could help you to save the remaining tooth if the damage happened either by an accident or by cavities. More >>>