Dental crowns and bridges are permanent prosthetic devices that are cemented onto your existing teeth or implants. Unlike dentures, dental crowns and bridges can only be removed by your dentist.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or resin. These are prosthetic teeth that are cemented over your existing teeth (once they’ve been shaped and prepped for fitting). Crowns are used to cap a damaged tooth, ultimately improving its strength, appearance, and shape. Porcelain crowns can be created to match the color of your teeth. Gold and metal alloys are stronger and often used on the back teeth, which take more bite force.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Dr. Zhao might recommend a dental crown if you need to replace a large filling but have little tooth remaining. Crowns are also often used to protect weak or fractured teeth, cover discolored teeth, or protect a tooth that has had a root canal.
What are bridges?
Dental bridges work just like the bridges you see in your daily life. They help connect the space between teeth where previous teeth used to be. Bridges help keep your teeth from shifting and can have crowns attached to them so that you maintain an attractive smile. When a tooth is lost or removed, over time your teeth can rotate, causing issues with your bite. Bridges help you keep a healthy bite and dental alignment.
How long does it take to get a bridge or dental crown?
Getting a dental bridge or crown usually takes place over a period of a few visits. The doctor has to prepare your tooth or teeth, take impressions, create the prosthetics, and then apply them. Usually, a temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is prepared. Although this can require a few visits, the results can last a lifetime. Occasionally a crown might come loose, but this is quickly solved by the dentist re-adhering it.
Are dental crowns and bridges painful?
No. Dr. Zhao uses the most modern forms of pain management and anesthetic to ensure before, during, and after the procedure, you experience the least amount of pain possible. Recovery is usually quick and within a couple days you’ll be able to resume eating hard and chewy foods like you used to.
If you’re looking for a dentist experienced in dental crowns and bridges, contact our team. Dr. Zhao is dedicated to giving you a smile you can be proud of and ensuring you have a healthy mouth.