subject: Repair And Restore Your Smile With Crowns And Bridges [print this page] In the past, a chipped, broken or missing tooth meant that you had to get fitted for dentures to replace your tooth. Thankfully, modern dentistry has come a long way and today there are a variety of restorative options available to you. Some of the most popular of these options are dental crowns and dental bridges. Each of these restorations can repair your smile by providing a natural tooth appearance that will fit in perfectly with your existing teeth. If you are in need of a tooth restoration, talk to your Peoria dentist about dental crowns or bridges as soon as you can.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed on top of your existing tooth to improve its appearance, shape, strength and size. When the procedure is completed, the crown will completely encase the visible portion of your tooth. After you and your dentist determine that a crown is the best option for you, he or she will begin the process by anesthetizing your tooth and filing it down to make room for the crown to fit. The next thing he or she will do is take a detailed impression of the area. This impression will then be sent to a dental lab, where it will usually take between two and three weeks for your crown to be created. In the meantime, your dentist will fashion a temporary crown that you will wear in between appointments.
Once your permanent crown has arrived from the dental lab, your dentist will do a final check for coloration and fit. Once he or she has determined that everything is acceptable, he or she will cement the crown in place. Once this is complete, you will be able to walk out of the office and start enjoying your new and improved smile.
Dental Bridges
While dental crowns are designed to restore teeth that have been broken or chipped, dental bridges can effectively replace your missing teeth. A dental bridge is made up of two crowns on either side that anchor a replacement tooth that "bridges" the gap between your teeth. To get started on the procedure, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing the area and filing down the two teeth that will be given crowns. After this, he or she will take a detailed impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab. While you are waiting for your permanent bridge to come in, your dentist will give you a temporary one to wear. Once the permanent one comes in, your dentist will give it a final check then cement it to your mouth to complete the procedure.
To learn more about crowns and bridges or to schedule an appointment, contact your Peoria AZ dentist today.
