CROWN
What are crowns and when are they required?
Commonly referred to as a "cap", a crown is a dental restoration that covers the tooth. A crown provides strength and protects the tooth and improves the appearance of the tooth.
A crown may be indicated in the following situations:
- Tooth having a very large filling
- The tooth has been extensively damaged by caries
- Fractured tooth
- Discolored tooth
- Root canal treated tooth has a tendency to become brittle and are more prone to fracture and therefore needs a crown.
What are the different types of crowns?
Crowns can be different types depending on the type of material used for fabrication. The types include the full porcelain crown (Metal Free), the porcelain fused-to-metal crown, gold crown and the all-metal crown. The type of crown to be selected depends upon the aesthetic demands of the patient and the strength requirements of the teeth involved.
How are crowns made and fitted?
First the tooth is prepared and after making an impression of the tooth, a model is made which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the crown. Sometimes coping trail may be necessary in case of all porcelain or porcelain fused to metal crown. After the trail, the dentist will select the shade and send the information to the laboratory for the final crown. To prevent any damage to the prepared tooth dentist will give a temporary crown.
The final crown is tried and checked for any high points if any. After satisfactory trial the crown is finally cemented with a luting agent.
BRIDGES
What is a bridge?
A bridge is a fixed partial denture which replaces one or more teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth that is suspended between two adjacent teeth. This replacement is attached to crowns that are made for the adjacent teeth.
Why is it advisable to replace the missing teeth?
- Chewing and general health can be affected.
- The appearance of the front teeth and the smile can deteriorate.
- Teeth adjacent to spaces may drift and tilt into them.
- Teeth in the opposite jaw, over the space, can grow longer because there is no opposite tooth to bite against & keep it in place.
- The bite can be affected, and the front teeth can be forced forward
- Decay and gum diseases can occur
What is the procedure involved in making bridges?
The steps involved in making a bridge are very similar to those for making a crown. Three appointments are usually necessary. At the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth next to the missing tooth for crowns. An impression of the prepared teeth will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. At the subsequent visit, your dentist will do the coping trial of the bridge and in the third visit the bridge will be adjusted and then cemented in place.
Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns - full porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, and all metal. The choice of material will depend on the aesthetic and functional requirements of the restoration.
What care will I need to take of my bridge?
Your new bridge will require special care when brushing and flossing. You may need to use various cleaning aids such as crown and bridge floss e.g. Super floss, use of water pik etc. to help you clean around and under the bridge so as to keep the plaque off and prevent further decay and gum disease.
