subject: Dental Crowns And Bridges Can Repair Your Broken Smile [print this page] Thanks to increases in dental technology, your dentist has the tools and expertise necessary to fully repair almost any dental problem that you have. Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common forms of restorations performed by dentists today. Chipped, broken and even missing teeth can be repaired through the use of crowns and bridges. If you are in need of a tooth restoration, do not hesitate to call your dentist as soon as you can to see what the best course of treatment is for you.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the visible portion of your tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. A crown can be used for a variety of reasons including:
*To restore a broken tooth or severely worn down tooth.
*To hold a dental bridge in place.
*To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
*To cover misshapen or discolored teeth.
When your dentist decides that a crown is the right option for you, he or she will begin by anesthetizing your tooth and shaving down the tooth to make room for your crown to be put in. After completing this, he or she will take a detailed impression of your tooth and send it to a dental lab where it will usually take between two to three weeks for the crown to be created. In the meantime, your dentist will give you a temporary crown to wear during the waiting period. Once your permanent crown arrives, your dentist will do a final check for coloring and fit and then will permanently cement it to your mouth. When this is completed, you will be free to leave the office and start enjoying your new smile.
Dental Bridges
Unlike crowns, a dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns that are placed on either side of the gap where your missing tooth is. A replacement tooth or teeth is placed in the gap and anchored on either side by the dental crowns. After deciding that this is the best option for you, your dentist will begin the process by anesthetizing the area and then filing down the two teeth that will have crowns put over them. The next step is getting impressions taken of the area in order to fashion the permanent bridge. Like crowns, there is a waiting period of a few weeks. In that time, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge to wear. When the permanent bridge has arrived, your dentist will do a final check for coloring and fit and then permanently cement it into place. At this point, the procedure will be complete.
To learn more about crowns and bridges or to schedule an appointment, contact your Las Cruces dentist today.
