What are crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges are oral prosthetics used to replace missing or damaged teeth.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped coverings that prevent a chipped, cracked, or decaying tooth from experiencing more damage. Once placed, a crown covers the entire portion of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, and appearance.
Bridges
Bridges are prosthetics used to fill a gap in your smile caused by a missing tooth. There are many types of dental bridges, but the traditional bridge is the most common. A traditional bridge contains an artificial tooth (pontic) and two crowns. Dr. Lazarof attaches the crowns to the two teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, holding the pontic in place.
What problems can crowns and bridges correct?
Crowns and bridges are both oral prosthetics, but they serve different purposes. At Sargon Dental, Dr. Lazarof uses crowns to:
- Replace large fillings
- Protect weak teeth
- Restore fractured teeth
- Attach to dental implants
He also uses crowns to improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth.
Dr. Lazarof uses bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth increase your risk of more serious oral health problems, including gum recession and bone decay.
What steps are involved in receiving crowns and bridges?
Getting crowns and bridges usually takes two appointments spaced several weeks apart.
Prior to getting a crown, Dr. Lazarof conducts an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and takes oral X-rays. Afterward, he administers a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort and shaves a thin layer of enamel from the top and sides of your tooth. Then, he takes impressions of your tooth and sends them to the onsite dental laboratory.
A week or two later you return to Sargon Dental, and Dr. Lazarof bonds your permanent crown to the top of your tooth.
The process for getting a bridge is much the same. The only difference is that Dr. Lazarof prepares both teeth on either side of the gap to receive a crown. To do this, he shaves a thin layer of enamel from the top and sides of each tooth. Afterward, he takes impressions and sends them to the onsite laboratory.
A week or two later you return to Sargon Dental and Dr. Lazarof bonds your bridge into place, filling the gap in your smile.
How do I care for crowns and bridges?
Care for crowns and bridges like you do your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily and visit Sargon Dental every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. Avoid bad habits like nail-biting and chewing on ice cubes or popcorn kernels. This will ensure your prosthetics stay in optimal condition.
To learn more about crowns and bridges, schedule an appointment at Sargon Dental. Book a consultation online, or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
