Crowns and Bridges
Artificial crowns
Although the outside of each tooth is made of strong and hard enamel, teeth can be chipped, broken or weakened due to:
- Trauma (such as a fall)
- Tooth decay
- Large fillings
- Root canal treatment to remove the tooth’s pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves
- Age related wear and tear.
An artificial crown is often the best way to save a tooth and strengthen it. It fits over the prepared existing tooth and replaces the natural crown.
Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth anchored to the adjacent natural teeth. If a tooth is lost through an accident, or is too badly decayed to save with a crown, a bridge may be the treatment of choice.
Ask your dentist or prosthodontist about dental implants, other way of replacing missing teeth.
Materials
Crowns and bridges are often made of porcelain and metal alloy. Porcelain is strong and can be made to match the color of the natural teeth. It is resistant to staining and can be made to match the color of natural teeth. It is resistant to staining and can be cleaned if it becomes stained.
Metal alloy is used for its strength, hardness and durability. It is especially useful for molars, which must withstand the forces of grinding and crushing. Metal alloy and porcelain are well tolerated are well tolerated by the gum and cheek.
Teeth have functions apart from chewing and biting, so missing teeth should be replaced:
- To improve appearance and speech
- To prevent stress that cause damage to other teeth
- To prevent the teeth near the gap from shifting
- To maintain the natural bite
- To improve chewing ability
All general practitioner dentists are qualified to fit crowns and bridges. A dentist with specialist training in crown and bridge work is called a prosthodontist.
Based on your dental and medical history, X-ray examinations of your teeth and jaws, and an oral examination, your dentist or prosthodontist will recommend the treatment which is best for you.
You will require at least two appointments for preparation and fitting of a crown and bridge. Sometimes a tooth will need a root canal filling, and perhaps a post or foundation, before crown or bridge treatment.
