Understanding Everything about Dental Crowns and Bridges

Missing teeth are a nightmare as they make people so self-conscious about smiling in public. Luckily, technology and dental science have now made it possible to get teeth replacements that resemble our natural teeth. These options are hard to differentiate from actual teeth. If you are among the millions with dental issues, dentists can now replace your tooth with new and improved porcelain structures. Book an appointment with Brightwork Family Dentistry for crowns and bridges in Richmond. Below is everything you should know about this procedure:

Who is a candidate for dental bridges and crowns?

Preventive dentistry is essential to maintain teeth in their natural state. However, for damaged teeth and decay from infections, the dentist can recommend a replacement. Dental bridges are used to fill tooth gaps for single and multiple losses and also straighten misaligned teeth. For cracked, broken, or stained teeth, the doctor may recommend dental bridges.

Is there a difference between dental crowns and bridges?

Both bridges and crowns are made using similar material that includes dental porcelain, silver, gold, or porcelain fused to metal. The main benefit of porcelain is that it can be made to resemble your other teeth giving crowns a natural appearance and feel. They also do not require additional cleaning. They will remain healthy as long as you brush the recommended two times a day and floss at least once. The annual dental checkups are also necessary to get a professional cleaning.

Crowns: Dental crowns are caps placed on top of a damaged tooth to restore the strength, shape, and size of the tooth. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes as they cover the stained part of a tooth visible above the gums. Also, because porcelain is more resistant, getting crowns early enough is useful to prevent further damage or periodontal disease.

Bridges: There is a slight difference between a dental crown and a bridge. Dentists place crowns in spaces when you have a gap between teeth. Bridges can fill a space ranging from one tooth to multiple teeth by anchoring between the natural teeth. They restore functionality and have a natural look like your real teeth.

What to expect during a bridge or crown procedure

Depending on the nature of your dental problem, the doctor may recommend either a dental crown or a bridge. In both procedures, they need to use an anesthetic that eases pain and discomfort throughout. For a crown, the doctor removes the infected pulp, cleans the cavity thoroughly before placing a crown on top to strengthen your tooth. The crown is custom made to take your tooth’s shape and color to feel as natural as possible.

For a bridge, the dentist takes an impression first to custom the replacement. The bridge has to fit into space appropriately. You will first be issued with a temporary bridge as you await the permanent one.

Once the dentist places the crown or bridge, you are advised to maintain proper oral hygiene for the replacement to last. Otherwise, the bridge will break when your natural teeth lose strength. Do not let dental imperfections limit your smile again; book an appointment today with Brightwork Family Dentistry for treatment.

Kamlesh Bakshi