A crown is a cap-like cover that encases the entire surface of a damaged tooth. Crowns can restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth. Crowns are also used to anchor a bridge, cover dental implants, and prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse or an existing filling in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated.
A smile with missing teeth can affect your confidence and make you less eager to share your smile with others. A full, flawless smile is so much more attractive than an incomplete or imperfect one, which is why our dentists may recommend a dental bridge to fill in the gaps in your smile and improve your appearance in the process. A bridge is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Crowns help in restoring an already existing tooth by covering or capping it. They add a layer of protection to the damaged teeth. Crowns may be made of porcelain or ceramic. They are durable and lasting. They are placed on teeth after root canal surgery or can be used in covering the metallic part of dental implants.
The crowns are used for:
It takes two visits to place a crown. The dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area, and some enamel is removed to make space for the crown. The impression of your teeth would be taken. The impression is sent to a dental lab to create a customized dental crown. Until the customized crown is prepared, a temporary crown will be used in its place. It will keep the prepared tooth safe until the final restoration is ready.
During the next visit, the dentist removes your temporary crown, cleans your mouth, and prepares the tooth. The dentist then fits the permanent crown and checks if it is comfortable and up to your standards. Later, the permanent crown would be sealed in place using dental adhesives.
Patients may experience some mild discomfort after the procedure due to slight inflammation of the gum tissue. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve this pain. Additionally, patients should avoid eating hard foods for the first few days after having crowns installed. If patients are careful with their oral hygiene routine, their restorations can last for decades without needing to be replaced.
A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option that bridges the gap created by one or multiple missing teeth. The bridge is made up of two dental crowns placed on each side of the missing tooth, with a false tooth/teeth in between. It's known as a bridge because it "bridges" the gap between teeth.
There can be one or more false teeth to replace your missing teeth in a row. The bridge is fastened to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap using metal clasps that wrap around the natural teeth. The crowns and false teeth are then bonded onto the healthy surrounding teeth. This creates a solid and reliable tooth replacement. Dental bridges can also be secured with dental implants for an even more secure fit. Your dentist can help you decide which type of bridge is best for you.
Before your dental bridge is placed, our dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that the bridge can be customized to fit your mouth comfortably and securely. Your dentist will use a temporary bridge between the two visits until the permanent one is ready.
Once a patient receives a bridge, it is important to maintain excellent oral health. Brushing and flossing daily will keep the bridge and surrounding teeth and gums healthy. Patients should make a point to brush their teeth after eating sugary foods to prevent decay. Regular checkups and cleanings and any necessary restorative treatment will help to ensure the health of the surrounding teeth and tissues.
Dental bridges have many benefits, such as:
Call us at (408) 988-7788 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Lee for a consultation at our office in Santa Clara, CA. We will be happy to guide you further.
3931 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara 95054
