Crowns and bridgework are dental solutions that are used to fill in missing teeth or a significant amount of missing tooth structure or damage. Depending on the situation, these dental treatments can restore the look of normal teeth and provide you with an improved smile. Crowns can be used on their own or as a part of bridgework.
When Are Crowns and Bridgework Used?
Crowns go over an entire tooth to provide increased strength and an improved appearance. Your dentist might recommend them if you have a tooth that’s decayed, damaged, missing structure or looks abnormal. Crowns can also be used as a tooth replacement along with bridgework if you have a tooth or teeth missing.
What Is the Crown and Bridge Process?
To get a crown, you’ll generally need to visit your dentist two or three times. The dentist shapes the tooth by shaving it down or adding filling material depending on its condition. Then, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which are used to create a customized crown that will fit with the rest of your teeth. You will receive a temporary crown until this permanent customized crown is complete.
When it’s ready, the dentist will attach your permanent crown to the prepared tooth. In the case of bridgework, the dentist adds crowns to the teeth surrounding the missing one and uses a bridge to connect these teeth to the unsupported crown in between. This process can also be used for a spot missing more than one tooth.
See if crowns are the solution for you by making an appointment at Peterson Park Dental at 773-286-9700.