Crown & Bridges
Crown & Bridges
What are crowns and when are they required ?
Commonly referred to as a "cap", a crown is a dental restoration that covers the tooth. Crowns strengthen and protect the tooth and are also used to improve the appearance of your teeth. It is a myth that scaling leads to extensive tooth enamel loss and weakens the teeth. In fact it is opposite that if their is build up of tartar it will lead to gum recession if not cleaned timely. Generally people with advanced gums disease with large tartar deposits feel temporary increase in tooth mobility after cleaning, which is normal.
A crown may be advised in the following situations:
The tooth has a very large filling such that the remaining tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
The tooth has been extensively damaged by caries
The tooth is fractured.
The tooth is discolored.
Root canal treated teeth tend to become brittle and are more apt to fracture and therefore need to be protected by a crown.
When missing teeth are replaced with a (bridge), the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth
What are the different types of crowns ?
Crowns can be made from different materials. They include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. The type of crown to be selected depends upon the aesthetic concerns and the strength requirements of the teeth involved.
How are crowns made and fitted ?
Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, a local anesthetic is given after which the tooth is prepared for the crown. The decayed and weakened parts are removed and the tooth is repaired and shaped to receive the crown. Next, an impression or mold is made of the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to the laboratory and an exact model of the drilled tooth is made. The crown is then fabricated on this model. Meanwhile, to protect the tooth a temporary plastic (acrylic) crown is placed over the prepared tooth. It prevents the drilled tooth from drifting its position and helps in keeping the gum around the tooth healthy.
The second visit
At this time, the temporary crown is removed and any temporary cement is cleaned from the prepared tooth. The final crown is tried onto the tooth and checked for accuracy in fit and in bite. Any discrepancies are adjusted and the crown is evaluated for aesthetics. If all these factors are acceptable, the crown is cemented permanently to the tooth. The health of your gum tissue and the success of your final restoration depend upon your home care. Do not be afraid to clean your teeth between visits and avoid hard or sticky foods. Sometimes, even with meticulous care, temporary crowns or bridges may come loose. If this should occur, place the temporary crown or bridge back on your tooth immediately. Putting a drop of Vaseline™ or even toothpaste in the temporary crown or bridge will help hold it in place until you can schedule an appointment. Replacing the temporary crown immediately is very important as it only takes a short time for teeth to move. This may even necessitate new impressions resulting in a great deal of wasted time, energy and money.
What is a bridge ?
A bridge is a fixed dental replacement for one or more missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth that is suspended between two adjacent teeth. This replacement is attached to crowns that are made for the adjacent teeth.
Why is it advisable to replace the missing teeth ?
To make the patient comfortable, and the procedure painfree, an anaesthetic may be given. Occasionally, a small protective sheet (rubber dam) may be used to isolate the affected tooth, and keep it clean and free of saliva.The loss of a single tooth can have a major impact on your personal appearance and dental health. Your teeth support and rely on each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position. This can lead to a change in the bite, loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. Ultimately, your ability to chew comfortably and your appearance may be affected. In such situations it is advisable to replace the missing teeth.
What is the procedure involved in making bridges ?
The steps involved in making a bridge are very similar to those for making a crown. At least two appointments are necessary. At the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth next to the missing tooth for crowns. An impression of the prepared teeth will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. At the subsequent visit, your dentist will fit and adjust the bridge and then cement it in place. Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns - full porcelain, porcelain fused-to-metal, and all metal. The choice of material will depend on the aesthetic and functional requirements of the restoration.
What care will I need to take of my bridge ?
Your new bridge will require special care when brushing and flossing. You may need to use various cleaning aids such as crown and bridge floss e.g. Super floss, use of water pik etc. to help you clean around and under the bridge so as to keep the plaque off and prevent further decay and gum disease. Don't worry, this will all be explained and demonstrated to you at our centre.
Will I be sore after treatment ?
There is generally soreness around the gum line. Pressure and temperature sensitivity may be felt for a few days. It is not unusual for the new crown to be mildly sensitive to cold temperatures for a few weeks. This sensitivity should gradually decrease and eventually subside. However, if it is severe and does not subside you should contact your dentist. Occasionally, the bite may feel uncomfortable and may need further adjustments.
What precautions should I take after the anesthesia ?
While you are numb it is very important to be careful not to bite your lip or tongue until, sensation has returned. If your child is the patient, please watch carefully to make sure he/she does not play with their tongue or lip while it is numb.
When can I eat after treatment ?
Anesthesia lasts for about 3-4 hours for the lower and 2-3 hours for the upper teeth. While you are numb, a soft diet or no meal at all is probably a good idea. You can eat about 30 minutes after the anesthesia has worn off.
Do I need a root canal before a crown ?
A root canal is not always required prior to crowns. However if necessary, the treatment can also be done after the crown is cemented.