Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and Bridges
in Lake Mary, FL

Having Gaps in between teeth? Crowns being attached to your teeth won’t change position, allowing you to smile confidently once more.

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What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are some of the most common procedures practised by dentists to restore a tooth that has been damaged in an accident. Normally, for severe tooth cavities that cannot be treated by a filling, a dental crown is placed on the tooth to cover it. They are also routinely performed on teeth after root canals have been done, and there are instances where crowns are used for aesthetics or in smile design.

Dental work done to replace a lost tooth or a number of teeth in a row is called a dental bridge. Two dental crowns are fixed on the healthy teeth on each side of the gap where the tooth is missed. A false tooth which is called a pontic, is fixed on the crowns filling the empty space where the tooth is missing.

Relationship Between Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dr. Shah will numb your mouth while she cleans it and remove a thin layer of enamel from the two remaining teeth next to the one that is missing. They will be your abutment teeth. Your bridge will hinge on the crowns made on these teeth.
After your abatement teeth are prepared, she will make an impression on your teeth. These impressions or digital models will be used in the making of a dental bridge.
Depending on the situation, she may place two temporary dental crowns to protect the prepared abutment teeth or a temporary resin bridge. In either case, your prepared teeth will be covered until the permanent bridge is fitted.
When your permanent bridge is completed, you will visit the office so that Dr. Shah can check the bridge to see if the fit is proper. Sometimes an adjustment may have to be used, making it necessary to shape the bridge to a certain degree so that it feels and looks right. If larger alterations are required, the bridge will be sent back to the lab to be revised.
Dr. Shah will place powerful dental cement within your mouth and attach the bridge to your abutment teeth once it fits correctly. With the bridge fixed in place, you will be able to smile and bite naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore these frequently asked questions, or contact us to talk with our team.
Both crowns and bridges are types of prosthodontics meant to protect or restore a damaged tooth to its normal function and aesthetics. A single cap placed over a decaying tooth is a crown, while a dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis to replace multiple missing teeth in a manner that looks and functions like natural teeth.
What is the price of crowns and bridges?

The cost of dental crowns and bridges depends on each patient’s condition and needs. For instance, the cost of your crown or bridge may depend on your oral condition, the type of crown or bridge selected, any necessary pre-treatment surgery such as tooth extraction, and more. The most effective estimate for your costs comes after you have met with one of our specialists to discuss having a dental bridge placed.

If your plan covers out-of-network services, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for a crown or bridge placed in our office. Check with your insurance company for benefits information.

What conditions can be treated with a dental crown and bridges?

Primarily, dental crowns and bridges are most commonly used for the protection and restoration of severely decayed teeth or teeth which have been fractured or broken due to some form of dental injury, such as an accident or trauma. As crowns and bridges protect the entire tooth structure, they are very helpful in preventing further complications and in restoring the appearance, function, and shape of the damaged teeth.

Dental crowns and bridges are equally important in the mitigation of the after-effects of root canal treatment. In less common situations, crowns and bridges can also serve the purpose of cosmetic dentistry, but only in the absence of safer options such as veneers and dental bonding.

How do I know if a dental crown or bridge is needed?

In case one or more of your teeth are damaged or extensively decayed, you need to undergo either a dental bridge or a dental crown procedure. Visit a dentist if your teeth hurt or if they appear damaged or a different color than they are supposed to be. Considering the reasons for your dental problems, we might suggest crowns, bridges, or other dental restoration strategies.

How long can I expect bridges and crowns to last?

Crowns and bridges that are skilfully crafted and fitted are expected to last from 5 to 15 years. To help maintain the crown for many years, you need to make sure that you observe proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day, dental flossing once every day, and visiting us every six months for cleaning and examination. Some crowns can be done in a single day but may not be too durable. However, with proper maintenance, these crowns can last for many years.

How can I take care of dental crowns and bridges?

Your dental crown and bridge should be treated as how you treat your natural tooth. For a start, brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes is essential, as well as flossing. Flossing can be done at night. It is helpful to floss against your tooth as well as below the gum line. Moreover, it is a good idea to visit us every six months for check-ups to assess the condition of your dental work and teeth.

Are dental crowns and bridges repairable or replaceable?

Certainly! Just like every other dental prosthesis, dental bridges can get chipped and damaged over time or can get worn out due to constant chewing, biting, smiling, and even speaking. With proper maintenance, bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The longevity of your bridge might vary for various reasons, such as the type of bridge used, how well you maintained your teeth, and several other factors.

What material is used to make dental crowns and bridges?
The majority of dental crowns and bridges comprise a metal part that stabilizes the teeth in place and one or more porcelain crowns, as well as false teeth. Dental bridges and crowns are most commonly combined with acrylic teeth, although they are mostly used for making temporary bridges and crowns because they are not as tough as porcelain and ceramic materials.
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