Could Crowns or Bridges Help Me?

Could Crowns or Bridges Help Me?

At Dental Traditions in Fayetteville, GA, your dentists, Dr. Ed Richardson and Dr. Jonathan Robinson, help people of all ages achieve restorative dentistrysmiles that are strong, attractive, and long-lasting. Their restorative services include dental crowns which protect damaged teeth and fixed bridges which fill smile gaps. Could your smile benefit from crowns or bridges? Read on to learn more.

The porcelain crown

Dental crowns, or caps as they may be called, cover teeth damaged extensively through oral injury, tooth decay, or abscess. Crowns also restore misshapen teeth (peg-shaped lateral incisors, as examples), or your dentist may choose to use crowns to anchor fixed bridges consisting of one, two, or more missing teeth.

Dr. Richardson or Dr. Robinson will examine and X-ray your damaged tooth to determine if it is healthy enough to receive a crown. Some teeth require root canal therapy first before being crowned so the interior tooth structure is free of infection and inflammation.

Then, your dentist will remove the decay, old fillings, and other failing structure. Oral impressions and detailed instructions tell the dental lab how to construct the new prosthetic. While you wait for your crown, you'll wear a lifelike temporary restoration to allow you to chew normally and have a complete smile.

On your return visit to Dental Traditions in Fayetteville, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and bond the new one over your tooth. Due to modern fabrication techniques, most porcelain crowns are a perfect match for color, shape and bite. However, Dr. Richardson or Dr. Robinson may make some minor adjustments to the crown to ensure you're completely comfortable.

As a final note, crowns restore dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth made up of a titanium screw (inserted into the jaw) and a metal post. Your dentist finishes dentist implants with customized porcelain crowns for lifelike look and function.

Bridgework

Fixed bridgework has been around for years, giving patients missing one, two, or more adjacent teeth a complete smile and natural biting and chewing ability. While some bridgework is bonded to the back of neighboring teeth or cantilevered off a molar in the back of the mouth, most bridges are secured by dental crowns on either side of the appliance.

As with dental crowns, your dentist will decide if a bridge is appropriate for your unique needs. If it is, he'll take oral impressions and use a trusted dental lab to fabricate the crowns and attached artificial, or pontic, teeth.

Additionally, your dentist will reduce in size the teeth which will serve as supports for your bridge. These abutment teeth receive lifelike crowns.

Caring for crowns and bridges

As with your natural teeth, dental crowns and fixed bridgework require twice daily brushing and once a day flossing to keep the gums and interdental spaces free of toxic plaque and tartar. Also, avoid hard and sticky foods which could chip or even dislodge your restorations.

You should come to Dental Traditions twice a year for a routine check-up and professional cleaning. With diligent care, your crown or bridge can last upwards of ten years, say experts at the Cleveland Clinic.

Save your smile

You can have a healthy, complete smile. At Dental Traditions in Fayeteville, GA, expect excellent restorations, including bridges and crowns. Call today for a consultation with one of our award-winning dentists: (770) 487-9797.