Crowns / Bridges
DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. These prostheses are cemented into existing teeth or dental implants, and can only be placed or removed by a dentist.
There are a lot of reasons to get a dental crown or bridge, but the main reason is to protect a tooth and give a functional and lifelike restoration.
REASONS TO GET A DENTAL CROWN OR BRIDGE
⦁ Tooth decay
⦁ Tooth fracture or wear (bruxism)
⦁ One or more missing teeth
⦁ Fillings or fixed prostheses replacement
⦁ Root canal treatments
⦁ Dental implants restorations
PROCEDURE OF GETTING A DENTAL CROWN OR BRIDGE
Two to three appointments are generally needed, and it can take about 2 weeks starting from the first appointment to finish your fixed prostheses.
⦁ The dentist will take an X-ray to ensure that the tooth can accept the restoration and that there are no underlying complications.
⦁ If the tooth is OK and you accept the pros and cons of having a dental crown or bridge, the dentist will proceed to prepare the tooth.
⦁ Local anesthesia is applied in the tooth area and surrounding tissues, once the surrounding area is numb, the dental preparation starts.
⦁ An impression is taken and a temporary crown or bridge is placed over the prepared tooth.
⦁ The impression is sent to the dental laboratory and the crown is then fabricated.
⦁ The next appointment is usually between 2-3 weeks later, and if there are no changes, the prosthesis is cemented.
AVAILABLE MATERIALS FOR CROWN AND BRIDGE
Each restorative material has their own specific indications depending on the case.
⦁ Metal
⦁ Porcelain
⦁ Porcelain fused to metal
⦁ Zirconia
⦁ Gold
HOW CAN I PREVENT HAVING A DENTAL CROWN OR BRIDGE?
⦁ Brushing at least twice a day
⦁ Flossing everyday
⦁ Avoid sugary foods
⦁ Avoid chewing hard or sticky food
⦁ Avoid chewing on ice or using teeth as tools
⦁ Regular dental visits every 6 months; this is important whether you do have a dental prosthesis or not. The dentist will be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy or provide the correct treatment to your specific case.
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