Dental crowns and bridges are two types of dental restorations used to replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth, while bridges are composed of two dental crowns fused on either side of one or more fake teeth. Both crowns and bridges can be used to restore natural tooth function, as well as the aesthetics of one’s smile.
Did You Know?
Dental crowns have been a part of dentistry for thousands of years. In fact, one of the first known dental crowns was made by the Ancient Italians. Back then, crowns were made from gold, ivory, and animal bone.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for a crown or bridge?
You may be a candidate for a dental crown if you have one or more teeth that are significantly damaged or decayed. Dental crowns are generally recommended in cases where other restoration methods cannot adequately restore the tooth. You may be a candidate for a dental bridge if you are missing one or more teeth, but have generally healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth. To determine if you are a candidate for a crown or bridge and which is right for you, schedule a consultation with Park City Dental today.
What can I expect when having a dental crown or bridge placed at Park City Dental?
When having a dental crown or bridge placed at Park City Dental, you can first expect your mouth to be numbed so you don’t feel anything during the procedure. Our doctor will begin by first removing any damaged or decayed tissue from the affected tooth. In some cases, the remaining tooth structure may need to be slightly reduced in size to accommodate the placement of a crown. To place a dental bridge, this process will be repeated on each tooth surrounding the gap that the bridge will span over.
After the affected tooth or teeth have been prepared, Our doctor will take a dental impression or oral scan of your mouth in order to obtain the necessary information to fabricate your custom restoration. This information will be sent to a dental laboratory that will fabricate your restoration. Until your permanent restoration has been completed, Our doctor will place either a temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth and maintain the necessary space for the desired restoration.
What can I expect after having a dental crown or bridge placed?
After having a temporary crown or bridge placed, you will want to try to avoid chewing on that side of the mouth. You should also temporarily avoid foods that are excessively hard, sticky, or chewy. Once your permanent restoration has been placed, you can return to your usual diet. In the first few days after having your permanent restoration placed, you may experience some soreness and tooth sensitivity until your tooth adapts. In most cases this will fade in a few days and can usually be managed with over the counter pain medications in the meantime.
