subject: Crowns And Bridges- The Quick And Effective Way To Replace Teeth [print this page] Luckily for patients who are in need of a replacement tooth, dentists across the country are prepared to restore incomplete smiles through the use of dental crowns and bridges. If you need to replace part of your tooth or need an entire new one, your dentist will be able to fashion a customized crown or bridge to fully repair your smile. Instead of dealing with the hassle of dentures, you will have a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are commonly used when a tooth has been heavily decayed. When a tooth becomes decayed it is more likely to fracture and lose a large amount of tooth material. When a tooth has fractured or is so decayed that a majority of the tooth is compromised, a normal filling is not sufficient to support the tooth. In this case, a crown can be placed over the tooth to restore the tooth's function and appearance. A crown is a synthetic cap usually made out of porcelain that is placed on top of a tooth.
To insert the crown, your dentist will usually have to reduce the size of your regular tooth. By filing down the sides and chewing surface of the tooth, your dentist will make room for the crown in your mouth to fit comfortably. He or she will also take a detailed impression of your teeth surrounding the tooth so he or she can form the crown to fit correctly with your bite. After the crown is shaped at a dental laboratory, your dentist will attach the permanent crown to your mouth using cement. A crown will generally last between five and fifteen years, depending on the amount of wear and tear it is exposed to and how well you take care of your oral hygiene.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge uses your teeth to anchor a replacement tooth or teeth. The anchoring teeth combined with the replacement ones connect to form a bridge that replaces any missing teeth you have. During your first visit to the dentist, your dentist will prepare the two anchoring teeth by filing them down enough so that they can be fitted with crowns. Next he or she will take impressions of your teeth that will serve as models for creating the crowns and bridge. After getting the final pieces back from the dental laboratory, your dentist will generally cement the bridge into place while making sure it fits properly into your mouth. If you take care of your oral hygiene and make sure to thoroughly clean your bridge, it is not unusual for them to last ten year or longer.
To get more information or to schedule an appointment, talk to your Chattanooga dentist today.
