Two of the most valuable tools in the kit of any dentist are crowns and bridges. They can be used individually or together, and both serve to restore or replace a damaged or missing tooth.
In this article, we will take a look at both crowns and bridges, how they’re used, and when the best time is to use them.
What are crowns and what are they used for?
Crowns are fillings that are used to strengthen or repair damaged teeth. The two main ways crowns are used with root canal treatments and implants. When crowns are used with implants, the first thing that happens is a pole gets installed in place of the missing tooth as a support post for the implant that is to come.
The pole is installed first, and the implant then gets anchored to it. Once the pole and implant are securely in place, a crown sometimes gets placed over the implant as a protective cover.
Crowns are also used as filling in a treatment known as a root canal. A root canal is necessary when teeth become infested with plaque or tartar, and a cavity results. Most times, cavities can be repaired with a simple filling, but there are times when the cavity progresses too far, and a root canal is necessary.
Root canals and cavities, in general, can be prevented with proper dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly. If you take care of your teeth, they will care for you, and problems like root canals won’t happen. However, there are times when crowns and bridges are required to repair the damage that wasn’t your fault.
Simply biting down on a bone you didn’t know was there can crack or fracture a tooth. Also, decay is often found under fillings that need replacing, which could mean a much larger filling will be needed. A crown may be recommended to protect this tooth that the large restoration could otherwise weaken.
Aside from being used for implants and root canals, crowns can also be used for a few other things. Crowns provide beautiful new smiles for individuals whose teeth are uneven, broken, or severely discolored. The new porcelain materials used for crowns are extremely durable and beautiful.
What are bridges and what are they used for?
Bridges provide fixed replacements for one or more missing teeth in your mouth. Missing teeth are extremely dangerous to your oral and overall health, and it’s extremely important to have them replaced.
Lost and missing teeth are also extremely common in adults, and bridges are an excellent solution for anyone in need.
When you lose a tooth, the adjoining teeth can weaken because your teeth are meant to support one another. If you’re missing one or more teeth, it hurts the rest of your mouth as well.
With the installation of a bridge in place of your missing tooth or teeth, the health of your remaining teeth and gums will be back to normal in as little as two weeks.
Crowns and Bridges in Delray Beach
Could your smile benefit from crowns and bridges? Contact Lurie Dental in Delray Beach for all of your dental needs.
Schedule your appointment today to get started on restoring your smile to its best look and function.