If a damaged or missing tooth is bothering you, we usually recommend a dental crown or bridge. You must have heard and read a lot about it, but still, some questions remain unanswered. We will clarify some of the most asked questions about dental crowns and bridges.
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a single tooth. Some people just call it a cap. We measure the damaged tooth and have one built to fit it. A crown is recommended by a dentist in Sacramento, CA, when a tooth is cracked, damaged, or has undergone a root canal. It covers what is left and gives the tooth strength.
Crowns are made from hard stuff. Porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. All three hold up well. Porcelain looks the most like a real tooth. Gold is the strongest. With regular brushing and checkups, a crown can last a very long time.
A bridge is related to a crown, but it does a different job. A crown caps one tooth. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by connecting to the teeth on either side. The two outer pieces are crowns. The middle piece is the replacement tooth that fills the gap.
The teeth on either side of the gap act as anchors. We file them down so the crowns fit over them. Once the bridge is cemented in place, it locks into place. You don’t take it out. It stays in your mouth like your own teeth. Most patients need no adjustments after the fitting.
The bridge fills a hole that would otherwise cause problems. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth shift toward the space left by the missing tooth. Your bite changes. Food gets stuck in odd spots. A bridge stops that by putting a tooth back where it belongs.
Yes, there are alternatives. A dental implant is another option. A titanium post is placed in your jawbone, and a replacement tooth is attached on top. Compared to a bridge, it is a more stable solution because it does not rely on support from the adjacent teeth. People prefer a bridge because implants cost more and take longer to fit.
Finding a dentist in Sacramento, CA, to answer more questions about dental crowns and bridges? Visit us at Samuel Dental Care; we will discuss which procedure suits you, your budget, your jaw health, and any questions you might have about the procedure and aftercare.
Ready to take control of your dental health? Contact Samuel Dental Care today to schedule a check-up, discuss cavity prevention, or start treatment. We’re here to provide you with the personalized, high-quality care you deserve!