WHAT ARE BRIDGES AND CROWNS ?
Bridges and Crowns are dental prosthetic devices used to restore or replace missing or damaged teeth. They are commonly employed in restorative dentistry to enhance both the functional and aesthetic aspects of a patient’s smile.
Dental Bridges:A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between two natural teeth or dental implants. The teeth on either side of the gap are called abutment teeth, and the artificial tooth or teeth that fill the gap are called pontics.
Dental Crown:A dental crown, also known as a cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
| DENTAL CROWN / BRIDGE PROCEDURE:
- Evaluation and Diagnosis:Assess the tooth’s condition and determine if a crown is necessary.
- Treatment Planning:Decide on the type of crown material based on factors like location, function, and aesthetics.
- Tooth Preparation:Remove the outer portion of the tooth’s enamel to make space for the crown. Address any decay or damage to ensure a proper fit.
- Impressions:Take impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth.
- Temporary Crown:If needed, place a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
- Model Creation:Create a model from the impressions to guide the dental laboratory in crafting the crown.
- Crown Fabrication:Construct the crown from materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination (PFM).
- Fitting:Check the fit, bite, and aesthetics of the crown.
- Cementation:Once satisfied with the fit, cement the crown onto the prepared tooth.
| POST-PLACEMENT CARE:
- Oral Hygiene Education:Instruct the patient on proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
- Follow-Up Appointments:Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the bridge or crown’s stability and address any concerns.
- Maintenance:Emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral health to ensure the longevity of the bridge or crown.
It’s crucial to note that these steps may vary slightly depending on the specific case and the dentist’s preferred techniques. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition of dental restorations and address any issues promptly.
| TYPES OF DENTAL CROWNS / CAP
1. Porcelain Crowns:
- Description: Provide a natural appearance with good aesthetics.
- Use: Commonly used for front teeth or visible areas.
2. Metal Crowns:
- Description: Durable and resistant to wear, made from metals like gold or silver.
- Use: Often used for back teeth where strength is crucial.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns:
- Description: Combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.
- Use: Offer a balance of durability and natural appearance, suitable for various teeth.
4. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns:
- Description: Made entirely of ceramic or porcelain, providing excellent aesthetics.
- Use: Suitable for front or back teeth, depending on the specific material used.
5. Zirconia Crowns:
- Description: Made from zirconium oxide, a strong and durable material.
- Use: Known for their strength, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
6. Temporary Crowns:
- Description: Usually made from acrylic or stainless steel, used as a temporary solution while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
- Use: Protects the prepared tooth and maintains aesthetics during the waiting period.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
V Dental Gajuwaka offers various types of dental bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, Maryland bridges, and implant-supported bridges.
The lifespan of dental bridges and crowns varies based on factors like oral hygiene, general health, and material used. V Dental Gajuwaka can provide an estimate based on individual cases.
The dental crowns provided at V Dental Gajuwaka may include options such as porcelain, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic, and zirconia, depending on the patient’s needs.
The duration may vary based on the specific case, but the initial consultation, tooth preparation, impressions, fabrication, and placement typically span several appointments.