If you have fractured or missing teeth, crowns, and bridges may offer a lasting solution. They are dental prosthetics that mimic the color and shape of your teeth. They have different use cases that address varying oral health problems. Here is an outline of the Encino crowns & bridges restorative process for enhancing your smile and dental health.
What is the purpose of a dental crown?
A crown is a cap-shaped ceramic shell that covers a fractured or broken tooth. It is made from durable materials capable of supporting the teeth and minimizing impact from injury or stress.
Dentists may suggest a crown where the tooth has severe damage but can still be salvaged. Crowns fix extensive fractures that fillings cannot effectively address. If the tooth is beyond, your provider may recommend alternatives like an extraction or tooth canal.
Sometimes a dental crown is fitted after a root canal. One factor that may cause complications after the procedure is poor resealing of the gum tissue. The crown protects the gum and teeth from bacterial infections that could weaken the underlying jawbone.
Dental crowns have cosmetic functions, such as providing a protective cap after tooth extraction. The crown mimics the look and color of your teeth to restore the aesthetics of your smile. You can speak and chew food with confidence after the implant fitting.
What are dental bridges used for?
Dental bridges are primarily for replacing one or more missing teeth. The dental device typically has two crowns on either end of the prosthetic that attaches to the adjacent tooth. They form a bridge that closes the gap allowing you to chew food and speak comfortably.
There are several types of dental bridges, which vary according to the crown’s placement. Cantilever bridges have one crown attachment that attaches to an adjacent tooth. It is suitable for people with only one healthy tooth next to the gap.
One advantage of bridges is that they do not require bone grafting compared to alternatives like implants. You only need healthy adjacent teeth to support the prosthetic and fill the gaps. The grafting process can extend the recovery period.
Bridges also prevent your teeth from shifting after tooth loss. Your teeth can move towards the gap due to the pressure from chewing and biting. The prosthetic utilizes adjacent teeth to distribute the biting force and avoid tooth alignment issues.
Which one is best for you?
Crowns and bridges have different applications in the dental field. Generally, a bridge is used for fixing gaps that result from tooth loss or extraction. A crown protects a broken tooth that can still function without causing dental problems.
However, the best option depends on your oral health and the dental problem you are trying to solve. Your case may require other dental alternatives like fillings to address specific concerns regarding your teeth. You can discuss each option with your dentist to ensure the results meet your expectations.
Contact Sargon Dental to book your consultation today.
