Bridges and Crowns

 Dental bridges San Diego

All missing teeth or tooth will be clearly visible as gaps between the normal teeth. It will be more evident if they are front teeth. This can adversely affect the smile of the person, and he or she would prefer to keep their mouth closed instead of smiling in front of others.

People suffer tooth loss due to various reasons ranging from trauma to improper hygiene. So what’s the proper way to correct this problem? Well, it is now possible to replace the missing teeth with the help of dental bridges. As compared to the dental implants, this is a less expensive and convenient method of tooth replacement.

Some people think that replacement of missing tooth (or teeth) is necessary only for regaining the lost smile, but this is not true. There is equal

importance of each and every tooth in the arch, therefore, any missing tooth should be immediately replaced, or else it may affect the integrity of other teeth as well. This could also lead to movement of other teeth with the passage of time, and one may lose them prematurely.

Dental Bridge Types

Depending upon the teeth or tooth that is to be replaced, dentist may opt for either of the three types of dental bridges. They are, conventional bridge, resin bonded bridges, and cantilever bridge.

* Conventional bridges-These dental bridges are used only when there are sound teeth on both sides of the missing teeth for providing necessary support to the dental bridge.

* Resin bonded bridges-They are mainly used for replacing the front teeth. These dental bridges have a metal band that firmly bonded to the adjacent teeth, and will provide necessary support to the replacement teeth. However, they cannot be used for replacing the back teeth due to strong forces generated by chewing action.

* Cantilever bridges-These dental bridges are used when there is no sound teeth for support on one side, as in the case of missing last molar. These bridges are also preferred for missing tooth in the front portion, as it is possible to take support from back tooth. In this ways, any changes in sound front teeth can be avoided.

How are dental bridges prepared?

During your preliminary visits, dentist will conduct visual examination, and take x-rays to assess the soundness of adjacent teeth that will be used for providing support to the dental bridge. Once this has been done, dentist will finalize the type of dental bridge that is best for replacing the missing teeth or tooth.

The supporting teeth are shaped and prepared for supporting the dental bridge to hold it firmly in place. Sometimes dentist may anesthetize the area using a local anesthetic. Once preparation part is over, dentist will take impressions of your teeth, and they will be sent for the fabrication of dental bridge to a lab. This process may take few days, and in between, dentist may provide you a temporary bridge. It is removed once the permanent dental bridge is ready. The permanent dental bridge is fixed firmly to the supporting teeth with the help of resins or some kind of cement.

Crowns:

About Dental Crowns:

Dental crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth. It is a tooth-shaped restoration that is fitted over damaged tooth. This makes the damaged tooth strong and gives it a natural shape. A dental crown restores the size, shape and strength of the tooth. It also helps in protecting the tooth from damage.

When is dental crown required?

Dental crowns are needed for various reasons, for instance:

1. To restore a broken tooth

2. To hold firmly a denture or a bridge

3. To enhance the look of the tooth in case of discolored fillings

4. To cover a tooth having big filling

5. To cover a tooth that has undergone root canal procedure

6. To strengthen the weak tooth and protect it from decay

What are the materials used in making crowns?

Different types of materials are used to make crowns. Due to the advancement in science and technology, new and better materials are continually introduced. Let us have a look at the most common options for crowns.

1. All ceramic or all porcelain: Made completely out of porcelain, these are perfect choice for those who have metal allergies. All porcelain crowns look similar to natural teeth and are more commonly used for the front teeth. They are less strong than porcelain-fused to metal crowns, and they usually wear off the adjacent tooth. All-ceramic crowns are stronger than all-porcelain crowns and look like porcelain dental crowns.

2. Porcelain bonded to metals: This is the most common material used for dental crowns. Here, base is made of precious metal and layers of porcelain are applied over it. They also look like normal

teeth. The only disadvantage of these porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is that they cause wearing of the opposing teeth.

3. Metals: Gold alloys, base-metal alloys and other alloys can be used to make strong dental crowns. In metal based dental crowns, less tooth structure is removed and the tooth wear is less. The only disadvantage is the metallic color. They are perfect choice for molars and pre-molars.

4. All-resin: All-resin crowns are less commonly used than other types, as there is high risk of fracture associated with this type.

What is involved in a dental crown process?

The dental crown procedure involves 2 visits at 2 weeks interval. The first visit of crowning process involves preparation of tooth and placement of temporary crown. During the second appointment,

dental crown is cemented. But, in case of all-ceramic crowns, the procedure is completed in single appointment. Discomfort or sensitivity may be experienced for few days after the procedure.

Usually, dental crowns last from 5 to 15 years. The life span depends upon the wear and tear to which the crowns are exposed to. Proper oral care ensures longer life span of the crown.