Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over a tooth. The purpose of the crown is to restore a tooth’s natural form and function. This can cover a broken tooth, a tooth that has been worn down, a tooth that is discolored, or a misshapen tooth. A crown can also be used to cover a dental implant.
Uses of A Dental Crown
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that goes over a damaged tooth. A crown, sometimes called a cap, covers the entire tooth surface, including the sides. It is cemented in place permanently.
Dental crowns are a versatile tool that can be used in several different situations. A dental crown may be used to reinforce and protect a tooth that has a large filling. This dental treatment is used when a cavity or a large filling causes the tooth to become weakened and damaged. The crown will help to keep the tooth from fracturing. A crown may also be used for a tooth that is worn down or eroded. Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons. A crown is color matched and shaped to look like your natural teeth. Dental crowns are also commonly used to cover dental implants. This restorative treatment is used to improve the appearance of damaged teeth.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Dental crowns are custom-made to fit your jaw. They are created from dental porcelain, which closely resembles the appearance and feel of natural teeth. Your dentist will prepare your tooth, take an impression, and send the impression to a dental laboratory. The lab will fabricate your crown, and your dentist in Garland, TX will place it.
During the procedure, your dentist will numb your tooth, so you don’t feel any pain. Your dentist will use a special dental instrument to reshape your tooth. Your dentist will use a dental putty-like material to take an impression of your tooth. The impression will be sent to a dental lab, where your crown will be custom fabricated. Before you leave, we will place a temporary crown to protect your tooth. Once the permanent restoration is ready, you will return for the next appointment to have the dental crown placed.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that acts as a substitute for a missing tooth or teeth. A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) and dental crowns on each side. The dental crowns are fitted to the teeth adjacent to the gap. Once the dental bridge is in place, it functions similarly to your natural teeth.
Uses of A Dental Bridge
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the neighboring teeth can shift into the empty space. This changes the bite and makes chewing and speaking more difficult. A dental bridge can restore an aesthetically pleasing smile and improve chewing and speaking.
How Are Dental Bridges Placed?
Dental bridges typically take two appointments to complete. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth and take an impression of your mouth. If the bridge is secured with a dental crown, the teeth will need to be shaped so that the crowns will fit properly. Your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth so that the bridge can be made. They will also send this impression to a dental lab so they can create a bridge custom to your mouth. This custom bridge will be created to the exact specifications of your mouth, ensuring that it will provide the same function and fit as your natural teeth.
Once your bridge is ready, you’ll return to your dentist’s office for placement. During this appointment, your dentist will clean and polish the teeth surrounding the gap to prepare them for the bridge. Then, they will use cement to attach the bridge to the abutment teeth, and a new tooth will be secured in the bridge to replace the missing tooth.
Dental Crown vs. Bridge
A dental crown or bridge can restore your smile after tooth damage or decay. A crown fits over your tooth, protecting it from further damage. A bridge, on the other hand, creates a bridge of artificial teeth to fill a gap in your mouth.
To learn more about the dental services offered by Choice Dental Associates, call us at (972) 530-7374 or schedule an appointment online.
