What are Crowns and Bridges?
Crowns are otherwise known as caps, due to the way they function by covering a damaged or unsightly tooth. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials based on the location and function of the crown placement. Bridges are similar to crowns but serve to cover a larger area. Bridges are used to fill in the space left behind by missing teeth. Bridges serve to prevent teeth from shifting into the empty space when a permanent tooth is removed or missing.
How are Crowns and Bridges Applied?
Crowns and bridges differ only slightly in their application. Crowns are used to cover a single tooth while bridges are often used in conjunction with crowns to cover a larger area. A mold of your original tooth will be taken to create the shape of the crown or bridge. Then the affected tooth or teeth must first be cleaned. This cleaning process often requires drilling and other procedures to remove cavities, shape the tooth for the implant, or perform a root canal. The crown or bridge is then cemented to the prepared teeth at each side of the gap between the teeth.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
Crowns and bridges can last up to a lifetime depending on their position, workload, and whether proper maintenance and care are taken. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease of the surrounding teeth which will lead to a weaker point of anchor for bridges. It is not uncommon for a crown or bridge to fall out, so don’t panic. Bring your crown to Sunrise Dental and they’ll recement it in, or fix any damage that may have caused the crown to loosen.
How Can I Prevent Damage to My New Crown or Bridge?
The best way to prevent damage to your new implants is to practice good oral hygiene and listen to your dentist. Be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and actively avoid chewing hard food such as nuts, candies, and ice. Always come in for routine checkups to ensure the health of your crown or bridge. Any other questions can be answered by the professionals at Sunrise Dental.
