Many people aspire to have a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. As a result, many people turn to dental crowns and bridges for restorative support to help them do so. As most of East Charlotte patients, we know how much it gets panic when someone says that you have to go through procedure trouble with dental crowns and bridges and if anyhow someone learns about the process, then it can make them feel more comfortable and can get more satisfied output. In this article, we will explore the process of getting a crown and a bridge as advised by an East Charlotte general dentist.
Dental Crowns:
A crown for a tooth is a cap that is placed on top of a damaged, decayed, or unattractive tooth. They strengthen, and preserve the size and shape, as well as boost the appearance of injured teeth using crowns. These can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or a mix of metal and these materials.
The Process of Getting a Crown
You start the process with an initial consultation with your East Charlotte dentist. By doing so, they can examine your teeth, take X-rays, and even advise you on the available treatment options. If a crown is chosen as the best solution with your dentist, your tooth will be prepared for this. This also requires cutting away a part of the tooth’s enamel to let in the crown. For that matter, if the tooth is badly decayed or damaged it may need to be “built up” with fillings material to support the crown.
After the tooth is reshaped, an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth is taken. An impression is then sent to a dental laboratory and you receive an aesthetically pleasing crown that fits your tooth perfectly. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth and act as a barrier until the next visit. With the final crown prepared, you will be called into your dentist. The temporary crown is taken off, and the new crown is fit to be sure that the color and shape are correct. If it all checks out, the final crown is cemented to the tooth for good.
Dental Bridges:
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more teeth, it comprises a metal or porcelain framework which is anchored in the mouth with two crowns. It is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) and a false tooth or teeth in between. Bridges are mostly of porcelain fused with metal or ceramics, which is quite natural looking and provides significant strength.
The Process of Getting a Dental Bridges
Just as with crowns, your initial checkup will include an assessment of your oral health and a discussion of options for treatment. The teeth that will anchor the bridge (abutment teeth) are prepared by having some enamel removed from them to create room for crowns that will be placed over them.
Impressions are taken of your teeth to make models that will be used for the construction of a bridge and both the pontic and crowns. Those impressions are then sent to a dental lab where the bridge is made of materials based on. During the time your bridge is being created a temporary bridge will be placed in your mouth to cover up the exposed teeth and gums. After the bridge is ready, your temporary restoration will be removed; so your new bridge can be put in place and checked for proper fit. If necessary, this is corrected and the bridge is then cemented.
Crowns and bridges are very cost-effective ways to restore dental health and aesthetics. An overview of how these treatments work and their benefits can make East Charlotte residents, better-informed when it comes to their oral health care. This is why regular consultations with a trusted dentist are of the utmost importance so that dental problems do not worsen over time resulting in optimal oral health and confidence. Schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist in your area if you are experiencing symptoms that could be associated with a need for a crown or bridge, or to learn more about the treatment and options available to you.