Dental Crowns and Bridges are fixed device that are cemented onto existing teeth or dental implants. It extends the longevity of tooth in patient’s mouth and makes them stronger.
Crowns (tooth cap) are commonly used for the following reasons:
- Cover a damaged tooth and restored a large filling where there is not enough bonding surface or tooth structure
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a cracked or fractured tooth
- Protects a weak tooth from fracturing
- Protects a root canal treated teeth.
Bridges are used to replace one or more absent teeth. It uses the adjacent teeth, also called abutments, to support the replacement tooth.
Crown and bridges can be done with different materials. The dentist will help you to decide which to use. There are advantage and disadvantage in every material. The decision is based on aesthetics and function as well as dental habits.
Usually the treatment involves two appointments. The first appointment is the preparation to obtain a model of you teeth. This is followed by a placement of a temporary crown or bridge. The second appointment is usually scheduled a week or two later where the permanent crown or bridge is cemented.
Once the crown or bridge is cemented in place, you will need to care for it as you do for your natural teeth.