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Damaged or missing teeth can easily be replaced with dental crowns and bridges, restoring function to your mouth. When teeth are heavily decayed they may be too weak to survive with just a filling. By placing a crown on your damaged tooth, a tooth may be given a new lease of life. Even when a single tooth is lost a denture may not be required as a bridge can be made which spans the gap with a tooth attached to those next to the space. Both crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices, unlike removable devices such as dentures. Crowns: The Basics A dental crown is used to cover or cap a damaged tooth. Not only does the crown strengthen a damaged tooth, it can also be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. The use of porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials can include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Your dentist in Pompano Beach may recommend a crown to: * Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
* Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
* Restore a fractured tooth
* Attach a bridge
* Cover a dental implant
* Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
* Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment All About Bridges If you are missing one or more teeth a bridge may be recommended to fill the gaps left by missing teeth. Eventually, gaps from missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. This imbalance that is caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Bridges span the space where teeth are missing and are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. Your dentist will help decide which material is best for your bridge based on the location of the missing tooth, its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. The Process Before your crown or bridge can be created, your tooth must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge can comfortably and properly fit over it. After the reduction of the tooth or teeth, which is minimal, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth. Using the impression created, a dental lab with make your crown or bridge in the material specified by your dentist. A temporary crown or bridge may be placed on your teeth in order to protect it while your permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is finished, the temporary will be removed, and the new, permanent crown or bridge will be permanently placed over your prepared tooth or teeth.
Contact your dentist in Pompano Beach today if you have a missing tooth or multiple teeth. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and plan an appropriate treatment plan for restoring your smile, whether it is a crown or a bridge.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Natalia Stadler, leading Pompano Beach dentist. Providing the best in cosmetic and general dentistry that the Pompano Beach area has to offer, Dr. Stadler is qualified to handle any dental need for patients of every age including Pompano Beach veneers, whitening, implants, and Invisalign.
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