What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a restoration piece that is placed on top of a damaged tooth. Crowns are designed to look like the original tooth on which they are placed. They cover the part of the tooth that can be seen above the gum line and are held in place with special cement.
How do I know if I need a crown?
Dr. Yoon might recommend a crown to cover a dental implant or a discolored, oddly-shaped tooth. A crown can also provide support to existing teeth.
Dr. Yoon might also consider a crown if you have:
- A cracked tooth
- Severe tooth decay
- Root canal therapy
- A tooth that requires a bridge
- A dental implant
Teeth with extensive fillings and little natural tooth tissue are especially susceptible to breaking, but a crown can prevent this from happening.
Are there different kinds of crowns?
There are several dental crown materials to consider. Crowns can be made from:
- All-metal
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Full porcelain
Metal crowns are resistant to chewing and eating, but they are typically placed in the back of the mouth due to their color.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFMs) look more like natural teeth than metal crowns, but opposing teeth may sustain more wear than they would with another type of crown.
All-ceramic crowns are usually the best choice for patients who have metal sensitivities, and resin crowns are among the most affordable crown options, but they're also more susceptible to cracking.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge functions similarly to a crown, although it doesn't cap a tooth. Bridges connect teeth surrounding a gap. Your provider at Fresh Dental Care places a prosthetic tooth attached to anchoring crowns on either side.
When should I consider getting a bridge?
Dental implants are typically the most effective way of fixing gaps in your smile. However, not everyone reacts positively to the metal posts required for a proper implant installation. If your bone density is too low or your gums too unhealthy, Dr. Yoon might recommend a bridge.
Bridges become a requirement when there isn't enough room for an implant without the support of a brace. Dr. Yoon can successfully install a bridge in one or two visits.
Don't put up with missing teeth or gaps in your smile anymore. Contact a team member at Fresh Dental Care today by phone or online to learn more about what crowns and bridges can do for you.
