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All You Should Know About Crowns and Bridges

Bridges and crowns are a solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged teeth. Bridges and crowns are cemented onto existing implants or teeth, unlike other devices like dentures that you can easily remove and clean. The facility for general dentistry in Springfield, VA, provides patients with unique bridges and crowns, which give good oral health.

What is the difference between tooth bridges and dental crowns?

Tooth bridges are exclusively used to replace missing teeth. They have crowns on either side and have a bridge replacement, which rests on the gum areas with tooth loss. Crowns at the bridge end fuse with existing teeth or dental specialists attach them to dental implants.

A dental crown covers individuals decaying or damaged teeth or can be placed on a dental implant to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are surgically fastened to the jawbone. The metal implants are attached to the bone through osseointegration. This process is comfortable and provides support when speaking and eating. The healing process after an implant takes 6-12 weeks. Your dentist places an abutment into the implant, on to which they will support your crown.

What is the process of getting a dental bridge?

When you first visit to get bridges, teeth abutments are prepared. Preparation includes recontouring teeth by removing a part of the enamel to give room for crown placement, and then teeth impressions are made. This impression serves as a model that the pontic, crowns, and bridge are made by a dental lab. The dentist makes you a temporary bridge to wear to protect sensitive gums and teeth while the bridge is made.

On the second visit, the temporary bridges are removed, and the new metal and porcelain bridges are checked and adjusted to achieve a proper fit. Several visits are required to check the bite and metal framework.  After some weeks, the bridge is cemented in place.

What is the process of getting a dental crown?

Upon your visit to a thousand oaks dental crowns specialist (or any location of your choosing), the dentist will probably conduct a few X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth roots and underlying bone where the crown is to be placed. In cases where extensive decay poses a threat of injury or infection to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may be necessary. Once the tooth is adequately shaped, the dentist utilizes putty or paste to create an impression of the tooth, providing a precise mold for the subsequent crown placement.

At times the impressions are made digitally using a digital scanner. Scans or impressions are sent to a lab where the crown is manufactured. The dentist also makes a temporary crown during the first visit to protect and cover the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

During the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and checks the color and the fit of the permanent crown. A local anesthetic can be used, and a new crown is cemented permanently in place.

If you have a missing tooth or several teeth, you have replacement options to discuss with your dentist. There are many benefits of using a dental bridge and crown. For the crown, you can always talk with your dentist to know the best type of crown for you. Advantage Dental Care will help you with treatment options that suit your dental needs.