West New York, NJ
(201) 865-5150
Teaneck, NJ
(201) 836-4400
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Have you been told you need a dental crown or bridge? Check out this guide to find out what dental crowns and bridges are and how they work.
Did you know that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults? It could require a crown or bridge if left untreated or if it's too large.
If you're considering crowns and bridges, you might wonder about the difference between the two. Which is best for your needs?
While deciding between them can feel like a challenge, it doesn't have to be. Read this guide on dental crowns and bridges to learn what they are and their benefits today!
What Is a Dental Crown?
Your dentist in Teaneck and West New York might recommend a crown for dental restoration. It covers the entire tooth, replacing the outer layer of enamel with new material.
Its shape, size, and function are similar to a natural tooth. You'll be able to chew food normally. It also looks like a natural tooth.
They can be from various materials:
- Porcelain
- Metal
- Plastic
- Or a combination of these
Why Teeth Need Crowns
After root canal treatment, you might need a crown. Root canal treatments remove the blood vessels and nerves from the tooth.
Once this occurs, there isn't nourishment for the tooth. Teeth become dried out and brittle, which could lead to cracking. Your NJ dentist will place a crown over your natural tooth to prevent cracking.
For cracks that don't extend into the tooth, a crown will protect your tooth from becoming worse. Large fillings are another common reason. If the filling covers more than half of the tooth, covering it with a crown will help protect it.
Large decay is another common reason for a crown. Once the dentin and enamel are destroyed, the tooth will be too weak to hold a filling and chew properly. Covering it with a crown will allow you to chew again.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance for patients with a missing tooth. They're made of porcelain and are fused with metal to improve chewing.
It has false teeth that are fixed between two crowns. The teeth on each side of the gap receive preparation to place the bridge. Once it's in position, its function is like a natural tooth.
What To Expect During a Crown Procedure?
First, you'll receive an anesthetic from your West New York dentist. This will help prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
The dentist will remove the damaged pulp from the tooth before cleaning out the cavity. Before you receive a temporary crown, you'll first have dental impressions.
After a few weeks, you'll have a follow-up appointment when the permanent crown is complete. Your dentist will have a special dental cement to hold the cap to your tooth permanently. They'll also ensure that the appearance and function match your other teeth.
What To Expect During a Bridge Procedure?
First, the dentist will ensure that a bridge is the right treatment for you. The surrounding teeth need to be strong enough to support the dental bridge.
Dental x-rays will ensure everything is in place. Your dentist will ensure no other treatments are required first.
Once your oral health is deemed strong, your teeth will be prepared. First, the teeth on either side need to be filed to hold the dental bridge in place.
Anesthesia is an option to ensure you don't feel discomfort during resizing. An impression will be next and sent to a lab to custom-create the permanent bridge.
The permanent bridge takes a couple of weeks to complete. You'll receive a temporary bridge while you wait. Anesthesia can be during the placement of the permanent bridge.
Types of Dental Bridges
Your dentist in Teaneck will discuss the various dental bridge options. Bridges will depend on your budget as well as your mouth.
Implant-supported bridges use an implant for each missing tooth that's embedded into your jawbone. Then, the bridge is placed over them in a later procedure.
Maryland dental bridges or resin-bonded bridges often replace front teeth. They use metal or porcelain frameworks with wings that are bonded to the back of your teeth.
The most common is a traditional fixed bridge. It has a crown on each side.
Types of Crowns
All-resin crowns tend to be less expensive than other options. They do wear down quicker and are more likely to break.
All-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns offer the best natural color match. If you have metal allergies, they're also a great option. They can also wear down the teeth next to them more than resin or metal crowns.
Pressed ceramics have a hard inner core. They replace the metal liner used in all-ceramic crowns. As a result, they provide the best natural color match and are long-lasting.
Metal rarely breaks or chips. They last the longest since and only require a small amount of your tooth to be removed. The drawback is that it's a metallic color.
A Guide to Dental Crowns and Bridges
This guide provides an overview of dental crowns and bridges. The next step is to speak with a dentist who specializes in dental crowns and bridges.
Are you in Teaneck, NJ, or West, New York, and are looking to have a crown or bridge? Or maybe you're looking for a new dentist.
For your convenience, we have offices in West New York and Teaneck, NJ. If you have any questions along the way, we're happy to answer them. So book an appointment today to get started!
