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Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are fundamental components of restorative dentistry. Through the placement of fabricated coverings over compromised or damaged teeth, crowns reinstate their structural integrity, visual appeal, and robustness. They augment aesthetic appeal while also offering support and protection. On the other hand, bridges are immobile prosthetic apparatuses designed to compensate for missing teeth by means of affixed synthetic teeth between adjacent natural teeth or implants. These treatments effectively restore functionality, improve masticatory ability, and preserve the teeth’s natural alignment. By seamlessly integrating with the natural teeth, crowns and bridges contribute to a more complete and healthy smile. It is possible to determine the most effective course of action for resolving specific dental concerns by consulting a dentist.

Dental Crowns Explained

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the most common dental restoration is a single dental crown. Dentists utilize dental crowns in a variety of treatment situations. Crowns may help protect vulnerable teeth from further decay. They may cap damaged teeth and cover deep fillings. Crowns often complete dental implants or cover teeth treated with root canals. Dentists can work with their dental lab and the patient to create custom-fitting dental crowns that may restore a tooth’s shape and size to near perfect.

Prosthodontics or Prosthetic
“Dentists can work with their dental lab and the patient to create custom-fitting dental crowns that may restore a tooth’s shape and size to near perfect.”
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How Dental Bridges Work with Dental Crowns

Dental bridges function similarly to dental crowns in that they both replace missing teeth and restore oral functionality. Pontics, which are prosthetic teeth, comprise fixed prosthetic devices (PODs). These pontics are affixed between dental crowns, which are securely fastened into adjacent natural teeth or implants via screws. The crowns serve the dual purpose of reinforcing the artificial teeth and bridging the gap caused by the absence of teeth by acting as anchors. Bridges enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the smile, preserve proper tooth alignment, and effectively restore masticatory function by employing dental crowns as support. By incorporating crowns and bridges into this methodology, the problem of missing teeth is effectively resolved in a durable and aesthetically pleasing manner. It is crucial to consult a dentist in order to ascertain whether crown-supported dental bridges are the most appropriate solution for a specific set of dental needs.

 

“The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge.”

Why Patients Get a Dental Crown

Patients prefer dental crowns owing to their effectiveness in addressing a wide range of dental conditions. In order to secure and restore teeth that have been compromised by trauma, fractures, cavities, or fractures, dental material crowns are often utilised. Furthermore, crowns are employed subsequent to root canal therapy to reinforce and encase teeth, thereby safeguarding their structural soundness and operational capabilities. Individuals who desire to enhance the aesthetic appeal of misaligned, discoloured, or deformed teeth may opt to utilise crowns. Overall, this will contribute to the improvement of the dentition’s aesthetic appeal. Dental crowns have been found to be an effective method of restoring the aesthetic and functional qualities of teeth due to their durability and ability to replicate the appearance of natural teeth. Consult a dentist in order to ascertain whether a dental crown represents the most viable course of action in addressing a particular dental concern.

 

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“Crowns also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work.”

Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step

The dentist assesses the condition of the tooth, addresses any infections or injuries, and reshapes it in order to accommodate the crown, all during the preparation phase.

Temporary Crown and Impressions: In order to streamline the process of fabricating a customised crown, impressions of the prepared tooth are obtained. A dental laboratory possesses the equipment necessary to affix a provisional crown pending the fabrication of the permanent one.

Implantation of Permanent Crown: During the subsequent appointment, the permanent crown is affixed to the tooth subsequent to the removal of the interim crown. The necessary adjustments are carried out by the dental practitioner, who ensures a precise fit and affixes the crown securely.

Final Adjustments and Polishing: In order to guarantee optimal bite alignment and comfort, fine-tuning adjustments are implemented. After the crown has been fitted and verified, it is polished in an effort to achieve a more natural appearance.

By systematically reinstating the functionality and aesthetics of the affected tooth, this process offers an enduring resolution that improves the fortification and visual appeal of the smile.

“In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does getting a dental crown hurt?

A. During preparation, the dentist may numb the area for the patient’s comfort. After fitting, patients may have a little soreness in the area where the crown sits for a few days. Pain that continues well after the crown fitting may indicate a poor fit, which requires a return visit for an adjustment.

 

Q. Does a dental crown look natural?

A. Most dental crowns look just like the rest of the natural teeth. Dentists work to help patients select a natural-looking shade for the new dental crown that matches the other teeth. Today’s dental crowns are indistinguishable from permanent teeth.

 

Q. Does a dental crown need replacement?

A. Dental crowns need replacement over time. The crown’s material and the patient’s oral health may determine how often they will need replacement. On average, it takes five to 15 years before crowns require replacement.

 

Q. Are crowns a cost-effective choice?

A. Patients should discuss dental crown options with their insurance provider to see if crowns are covered. Crowns that are part of a treatment plan, such as tooth decay repair, may have a higher likelihood of insurance coverage. The choice of material for the crown also influences the cost.

 

Q. How long will it take to get a crown?

A. The length of the dental crown treatment is dependent on several factors. Crowns that are part of a root canal or another intensive treatment may take longer because of the other steps in the procedure. Talk to the dentist to get an idea about how long the crown process will take.

 

Q. What are the alternatives to getting a crown?

A. Patients may have other options besides dental crowns, depending on their case and situation. For some patients, a filling, inlay, or onlay may be sufficient to restore the tooth. Pulling the tooth may also be a viable alternative to a dental crown.

Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology

Allograft

An allograft is a graft of tissue from a donor within the same species as the patient that is not a genetic relative.

Alveolar Ridge

The alveolar ridge is the bony ridge for one of the jaw ridges located on the roof of the mouth or on the bottom of the mouth.
 

Autograft 

An autograft is a graft of tissue from one portion of an individual’s body to another.
 

Bleachorexia

Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.
 

Cap Splint

A cap splint is a plastic or metallic device that professionals may use to treat mandible or maxillary fractures and cover crowns of teeth.
 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
 

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that increases the extent of a tooth structure for restorative or esthetic purposes.
 

Dental Crown

A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
 

Dentin Hypersensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.
 

Dentist

Call Us to Get More Details

Our dental crown options in Shelbyville give patients choices for tooth restoration. If you have concerns about your teeth, call us today at (512) 863-9555 to schedule a consultation regarding any questions you have about our dental crown services.

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  • Affinity Family Dental was established in 2022.
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  • We serve patients from the following cities: Shelbyville, Fairland, Morristown, New Palestine, Rushville, St Paul, Franklin, Greensburg, Connersville, and Batesville
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