If you have a severely decayed or injured tooth that needs restorative help, dental crowns and bridges can provide the solution you need. These are common methods for renewing smile health after any number of issues occur -- keep reading to learn about crowns and bridges from your dentist in Worthington, including what they are, how they work, how they are made, and more!
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that covers the affected tooth from the gums up. It can restore a broken, decayed, weak, worn, or otherwise damaged tooth. A dental crown is bonded securely around the tooth and cannot be removed for cleaning. Gold, metal, and ceramic/porcelain are all common materials for dental crowns.
While a dental crown is used to restore a damaged but salvageable tooth, a dental bridge replaces one or more consecutively missing teeth. A fixed traditional bridge cannot be removed. Most dental bridges are made out of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic.
A dental crown works by creating a new hard outer surface for your tooth. Your dentist removes all decayed or damaged tooth enamel, reshapes the tooth, and places the sturdy restoration on top. With a dental crown in place, the damage is arrested and you can enjoy a sturdy, healthy tooth once again.
A dental bridge works by forming an actual bridge over a gap in your smile. Two crowns are affixed on the natural teeth that surround the space, and the prosthetic pontics fill in the space between. By filling in the gap with sturdy replacement teeth, your ability to eat, speak, and smile is beautifully restored.
To create a crown or bridge, we will first create an impression of your affected tooth (or the missing teeth) and the ones that surround it. X-rays are also captured to get a more complete image of your teeth and surrounding oral structures. This information is sent to a separate lab along with other important details, like the material used to make the restoration, and the crown or bridge is crafted by an expert team. Once it is ready, it is sent back to our office and you return for a follow-up appointment in which we will place the crown or bridge.
When properly cared for, a dental crown or bridge can last for many years. You should continue to practice excellent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. If your dental crown or bridge breaks or becomes loose or uncomfortable, please contact our office promptly to have the issue fixed.
If you have a decayed or missing tooth and need excellent restorative care, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. A bridge or dental crown in Worthington can provide a wonderful solution! You are invited to request an appointment today.
