subject: Dental Crowns And Bridges Can Restore Your Broken Smile [print this page] In the past, a chipped, broken or missing tooth meant that you were left with very few options. Many times, dentures were the only option for you to effectively restore your smile. Thanks to many advances in dental technology, today you have a variety of restorative options that can give you your smile back. Two of the most common restorative procedures are the installation of dental crowns and dental bridges.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is installed on top of your tooth to improve its appearance, shape or strength. When installed, a crown will cover the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. A dental crown may be installed to protect a weak tooth, restore a broken one, support a dental bridge or to cover misshapen or discolored teeth. Once your dentist has decided that a dental crown is the best option for you, he will begin the procedure by anesthetizing your tooth and the surrounding area. He or she will then file down your tooth in order to make enough room for the new crown to fit. After this, an impression will be taken of the area to create your permanent crown. It generally takes between two and three weeks for the dental lab to construct the permanent crown and send it back. In the meantime, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to wear in between appointments.
Once your permanent crown arrives, he or she will do a final check to make sure that the coloring and fit of the crown are correct. If they are, he or she will then cement the crown permanently into place and the procedure will be complete.
Dental Bridges
Whereas a dental crown is used to repair a broken or chipped tooth, a dental bridge is used to fully replace a missing tooth or teeth. A dental bridge consists of a replacement artificial tooth that is anchored in place on both sides by dental crowns. To install a bridge, your dentist will begin by applying local anesthetic to the area and then filing down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, an impression of the area will be taken and sent off to a dental lab. You will be given a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent one is created. Once your permanent one arrives, your dentist will check to make sure it fits correctly and then permanently cement it in your mouth. With the proper care, your dental bridge can then last as long as 15 years.
To learn more about crowns and bridges or to schedule an appointment to see if crowns and bridges are right for you, contact your Greenwood Village dentist today.
