At Palm Tree Dentistry in Palm Harbor, FL, our team is proud to provide two of the most commonly used prosthetics in dentistry—crowns and bridges. While you’ve likely heard about these before, you may not be as familiar with what they are or what purpose they serve. Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of both crowns and bridges so that you can better understand their function. If you have any questions, we invite you to give us a call! One of our team members would be delighted to help.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made prosthetic which is designed to restore the appearance, function, and health of a tooth following severe damage or decay. When a tooth’s vulnerability reaches a critical point, the crown protects it by encapsulating the entire visible portion above the gum line. This ensures that no further damage can be done as the tooth is no longer exposed.
Crowns are a well-loved dental restoration for many reasons. First, they are highly effective in restoring the function of a tooth. Additionally, crowns can be matched to the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, making them an esthetically pleasing option as well. And finally, crowns are very durable. With proper care, they can last many years. Overall, the existence of this very restoration has provided patients with a second chance to protect their natural teeth and avoid extraction.
The Process of Dental Crown Application
While the crown application process may seem intimidating, it is actually a very straightforward procedure that we will be able to complete in just a few short visits. To learn more about what you can expect during your dental crown procedure, please read the below steps:
- The first step is to prep the tooth by cleaning it and removing any decay.
- Next, we will carefully contour the tooth to make room for the crown.
- Once the tooth is ready, we will take an impression of it that will be used to create your custom-made crown.
- In the meantime, you will be given a temporary crown to wear until your permanent one is completed.
- When your permanent crown is available, we will call you back in for a follow-up appointment.
- At this appointment, we will remove your temporary crown and check the fit of your permanent crown.
- Once we are happy with the fit, we will bond the crown to your tooth.
And that’s it! You’re all done and can now enjoy your brand new dental crown.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic designed to restore the function, health, and appearance of your smile—quite similar to the purpose of a crown! The only difference between the two is that bridges replace a missing tooth rather than restore a damaged one. Aesthetically, this means that a bridge will literally “bridge the gap” between your existing teeth; this gap may consist of one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in a sequence. In either case, the bridge is designed to meet the particular patient’s needs and replace the missing teeth.
Dental bridges are made up of two main components:
- The false teeth or “pontics” which take the place of the missing tooth or teeth
- The crowns which are placed on the adjacent teeth (referred to as “abutment teeth”) to support the pontic
Bridges are an exceptional restoration due to the purpose they serve, as well as their longevity. Not only do they restore the smile, but they prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting out of place due to the empty space. Furthermore, bridges are designed to last many years with proper oral hygiene habits.
The Process of Dental Bridge Application
When deciding to replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge, it is important first to consult our team to determine if a bridge is the right option for you. The process of applying a dental bridge typically involves the following steps:
- First, our team will clean the adjacent teeth to prepare them for crowns.
- Next, we will take an impression of your mouth to create a model of your teeth. This model is then used to create your custom dental bridge.
- Once your bridge is complete, you will come in for a second appointment to have the bridge placed.
- First, we will check the fit of the bridge and make any necessary adjustments. Then, we will secure the bridge in place with dental cement.
- You will then need to come back for a follow-up appointment to make sure that the bridge is fitting well and that your bite is aligned properly.
With Passion For What We Do, We Restore Smiles Just For You
At our office, we have a passion for patient care and strive to always provide the best experience. When you visit us to receive a dental crown or bridge, we will take the time to ensure that you are comfortable and informed about the procedure. We understand that many patients may feel anxious about receiving dental treatment, which is why we take care to make sure that you are relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit.
Our goal is always to provide the best possible experience for our patients, and we look forward to continuing to grow to meet their needs. Call today to schedule a visit!
