What are Dental Crowns?

It is not uncommon to require some sort of restorative dental work in your lifetime. In this section, we will review a couple of the more common types, why you might need them, how they are made and how long they last.

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns are used to completely cover a tooth that had extensive decay or is cracked. A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. A crown and pontic (fake tooth) are cemented to existing teeth or implants adjacent to the space left by the missing tooth. Both restorations are permanent and cannot be removed except by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?

Maple Grove Dental crowns cover your entire tooth and can be fabricated using metal or, more commonly, tooth-colored porcelain. If you crack a tooth or decay is present to an extent that cannot be managed with a simple filling, your dentist will recommend a crown to save the tooth. Crowns are used to restore dental implants and root canal treated teeth as well.

An implant is placed in your jaw bone by an oral surgeon and the crown is screwed or cemented onto the implant to give you an actual tooth. In the case of a root canal treated tooth, a crown is placed to ensure the integrity of the tooth and help protect it from further damage.

How do Bridges Work?

Bridges are a little more involved than one crown. Bridges fill the space left by missing teeth to make sure all your remaining teeth stay in place, avoiding a malocclusion (a bad bite) that can lead to more severe problems down the road.

A bridge has a fake tooth, or pontic, attached to one or two crowns which will be cemented to the teeth or implants neighboring the space.

How are Crowns and Bridges Made?

To ensure a tight fit of your new restoration, your dentist will prep all teeth to be crowned. Prepping involves shaving off some natural tooth structure in order for the new crown to fit snuggly. An impression is then taken for the lab to fabricate your new crown. Your dentist may have the technology in their office to make your restoration in house and can generally be done in one visit. If they send your case to a dental lab, you will have a temporary restoration in place for about two weeks while your permanent one is being made. When using porcelain, a shade is selected so that your new crown or bridge will match your existing teeth. Once your permanent restoration is back from the lab, your dentist will remove the temporary placement and cement your permanent new crown or bridge.

How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?

Tooth restorations can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Though they may come loose or fall out altogether, your dentist can re-cement them in one quick visit. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist for your routine cleanings will help ensure that your beautiful new restoration lasts for years to come!

More on Dental Crowns : What is the Dental Crown Procedure?