Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are types of Dental restoration which completely encircle and protect a tooth or implant. They are typically used when a large cavity threatens the health of a tooth. Crowns are implanted with dental cement. Dental crowns restore the Anatomy of the tooth, restore tooth functions and aesthetics. Dental Crowns can be used for replacement of both fixed teeth and missing teeth.
The crown or "cap" fits over a carefully prepared existing tooth. Single crowns are advised when a large portion of the tooth has been damaged by decay. The bridge spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch.
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A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace the missing teeth with the support of adjacent natural teeth. It consists of false teeth and crowns for prepared natural teeth.
Procedure
Before placement of bridge, preparation of adjacent natural teeth is required, so as to make rooms for placement of crowns over them. An impression of the prepared teeth is then taken. A temporary bridge is then given. At the next visit, temporary bridge is removed and permanent bridge is then fixed in its place.
Need for Dental Bridges
- After loss of teeth, food tends to get accumulated in the empty space, which may lead to decay of adjacent tooth. Replacement of teeth is therefore necessary for health of remaining natural teeth.
- After loss of tooth, the adjacent tooth may drift out of position and into the edentulous space.
- Other general factors like chewing food, speech and esthetics are also compromised due to loss of teeth.
Advantages of Dental Bridges
- Since dental bridges are fixed, there is no trouble involving taking them off and placing them again like removable dentures.
- They are quick solutions to the problem of missing teeth.
- These are cosmetic solutions and blend well with adjacent natural teeth.
- Dental bridges efficiently restore the chewing function.
- They can be used to correct some bite issues as well.
Life Span of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are known to last many years. They can have a life span for many years if proper care is taken. Dental bridges need extensive measures for maintenance of oral hygiene. Regular flossing is necessary. With proper care, dental bridges provide as an efficient substitute to missing teeth.
