subject: What You Need To Know About Dental Crowns And Bridges And How They Can Help You [print this page] Chances are, at some point in your life you will find yourself in a situation that requires you to receive some sort of tooth restoration. If this happens to you, it is important not to panic. Thanks to modern dentistry, your dentist has several options that will allow him or her to fully restore your smile. Some of the most popular methods for doing so are through the use of a dental crown or a dental bridge. Talk to your Delaware dentist as soon as you can if you think you are in a situation where you need a tooth restoration.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is directly installed on top of your tooth in order to improve its size, strength, shape and/or appearance. Once you and your dentist have determined that a dental crown is the best option to repair your smile, he or she will begin the process by anesthetizing your tooth. After this, your tooth will be reduced in order for there to be enough room for a dental crown to fit within your bite. An impression will then be taken of the area in order to create a dental crown that will fit in perfectly with your other teeth. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab, where it will usually take between two and three weeks for your permanent crown to be created. In between appointments, your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown to wear.
When your permanent crown arrives from the dental lab, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the fit and coloring are correct. If they are, he or she will then use a special cement to permanently attach the crown to your tooth. Once put in, a crown will both function and look like any of your normal teeth.
Dental Bridges
While a dental crown is used to repair a chipped or broken tooth, a dental bridge is utilized to replace a missing tooth. A bridge is made up of an artificial replacement tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To put a bridge in, your dentist will first anesthetize the area and file down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, an impression will be taken of the area to create a bridge that will fit in perfectly to your bite. The impression will be sent to a dental lab and you will need to wait between two and three weeks for your permanent bridge to be created. Just like in a crown procedure, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to wear so you do not have a gap in your teeth between appointments. Once your bridge arrives, he or she will do a final check and then permanently attach it. Once put in, a bridge can last 15 years or even longer in some cases.
To learn more about dental crowns or bridges or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Delaware today.
