Gresham dental crowns and dental bridges
When Gresham Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Are Needed
It is only when something goes wrong with your teeth that people actually think about the various issues that can affect them on a daily basis. Everyone, dentists included can and do take their teeth for granted, until a tooth breaks or becomes painful. Whether you grind your teeth, don’t bite properly, or have previously had fillings, all of these issues can and will contribute in the long term to tooth decay. If a tooth breaks or cracks, then a crown or a bridge is often the most appropriate solution to the problem.
Think of a crown as a cap, that fits over the tooth, or is attached to a dental implant. Dentists will use dental cement to attach the crown to the tooth, or the post if it is a dental implant. Crowns restore the look, appearance, and functionality of a lost or damaged tooth, and will also be used for teeth where root canal surgery has been performed.
Did you know…
that the Etruscan civilization were the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth? In fact, the materials they used – ivory, gold, and bones – were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were first invented. Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically for the patient’s bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits. With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years, or even a lifetime.
A bridge is another method that is available to dentists; there are different types of bridges.
- A traditional bridge consists of a false tooth, which is then attached to two good teeth on either side of the gap, using dental crowns. This is a good option where one tooth is missing, and the adjoining teeth on either side of the gap are in good condition.
- A cantilever bridge operates in a similar way to a traditional bridge, the only difference being that it only requires one tooth for attachment.
- A Maryland dental bridge uses the same principles as that of a traditional bridge and therefore needs two healthy teeth on both sides of the broken tooth. The difference from a traditional bridge is that rather than using dental crowns, it uses a framework of metal or porcelain, which is then bonded onto the backs of the adjoining teeth.
Gresham Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges FAQ
Q: How Long Can I Expect My New Crown or Bridge To Last?
A: Crowns and Bridges generally have a lifespan of between 7 to 15 years. Factors which will diminish this timescale include not cleaning your teeth properly, gum disease or dental decay. Trauma, such as an impact to the face will also potentially damage any dental work, in the same way as it would natural teeth.
Q: If I Need A Crown, Does That Mean I Will Have To Have Root Canal Surgery?
A: No, root canal treatment is only undertaken where it is necessary. Hundreds of crowns are fitted daily to teeth without the need for root canal treatment.
Q: I Have Been Told I Need A Bridge, Would Implants Be A Better Option?
A: Discuss the options available with your dentist, because there are a lot of variables. If for instance, the teeth on either side of your gap require crowns, then a bridge might be the superior solution.
Q: Will My Crown Or Bridge Look Different To My Natural Teeth?
A: Not at all, part of the process when we fit your crown or bridge is to match the color of the crown or bridge to the shade of your natural teeth. Once completed, it will not be possible for anyone with the naked eye to know that you have a crown or a bridge fitted.
Q: What Is The Process Of Having A Crown Or Bridge Fitted?
A: Before any work is started, the area of your mouth where the work is due to take place will be numbed using local anaesthetic. Then your teeth are prepared so that the crown or bridge will have a good and solid foundation. This is potentially the most crucial part of the process, and so it may take some time. Once the dentist is satisfied with the preparation work, he or she with then take impressions, of the teeth they have prepared, but also the teeth on the opposite jaw. This is important because they want to ensure that the patient has a proper bite when the work is finished. Once our team has the impressions, we then send them to one of the best labs in the industry to manufacture your new bridge or crown. While you are waiting for your new teeth to be produced, we will typically fit you with a temporary crown or bridge. Once the new teeth are returned to us, we will fit them to your mouth ensuring that they are comfortable, fit properly and give you a good bite. We will also confirm with you that visually the tooth looks good and matches your other teeth. Once everyone is happy we then cement the tooth in place.
Q: How Long Does The Entire Process Normally Take?
A: The manufacturing process typically takes about two weeks, and you will need a minimum of two appointments, one at the start of the process and one at the end.
Q: Is a crown or bridge right for me?
A: If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an office consultation to determine whether you could benefit from crowns or bridges.
Q: What should I expect when I have my crown or bridge placed?
A: If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your crown or bridge, you may be fitted with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.
Q: Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?
A: Your teeth will need time to heal following the Gresham dental crowns and dental bridges placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.
At Main Street Dental we use the best equipment and invest in the highest quality dentures to ensure that our patients have the ultimate standard of dental care. We want to ensure that you are delighted with the final result, and do everything possible to ensure this. If you have any questions that have not been answered on this page, do not hesitate to get in contact with our team to get the answers you require.
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