Crowns & Bridges
A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel.
Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth – and they can be made the same color as natural teeth, as well.
Dental crowns can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth for patients who have had any one of the following:
- Tooth decay
- A cracked tooth
- A broken tooth
- A dental bridge (the crown can hold the bridge in place)
- Misshapen or discolored tooth
You may also need a crown if you’ve had a root canal, because during the root canal, your dentist will scoop out the infected part of the tooth and leave the thin outer parts of the tooth in place. This leaves the tooth weak and susceptible to breakage, but a crown can protect your tooth from that. Crowns are also used on dental implants to make the implant look as realistic as possible.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are among the most commonly required forms of adult dental work. A dental bridge is a form of cosmetic dentistry that will improve one’s smile and bite. To be a candidate for a dental bridge, the existing tooth must be permanent as an adult tooth. Learn more about what is required for dental bridges for adult patients seeking a local dentist.
About Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an artificial structure implanted with existing teeth or where one or more teeth are missing. Dentists install dental bridges when a patient requires a dental crown. A dental crown is a ceramic or metal cap covering an existing tooth.
Reasons why patients require the use of dental bridges and crowns include:
- Covering stains from tobacco, wine, or coffee
- Protecting a cracked or chipped area in a permanent tooth
- Concealing signs of tooth decay at the root of the tooth and slowing tooth loss
- Providing a stable tooth structure to support the root structure of a damaged or broken tooth
