Crowns and Bridges

Crowns replace missing tooth structure, support misshapen or badly broken teeth, and look like natural teeth. They are made of different types of porcelain: porcelain fused to tooth-colored core materials, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. For crowns that are being placed in the back of the mouth where chewing and strength are required, we will typically place gold crowns because of their durability. They never break and last an extremely long period of time. Porcelain crowns will last 20 years or more with the proper care, but will typically last at least five years depending on an individual’s oral hygiene and any grinding or tooth-clenching habits that they may exhibit.

A bridge is a number of crowns that are placed and connected together where teeth are missing. We also place fixed bridges, which are cemented into place and are not removed from the mouth. They are an alternative to partial dentures and dental implants, and utilize the adjacent teeth in order to support the bridge. A patient can take advantage of the bridge in a case where both adjacent teeth need attention or have old fillings, because a bridge will not only address their missing tooth, but the concerns of the adjacent teeth at the same time. Otherwise, if a patient has a healthy, natural tooth on each side of the missing tooth, then a dental implant will typically be recommended instead. Recommendations for various cosmetic procedures are generally based on a case-by-case basis dependent on the patient’s age, budget, and desires.

The decision to place crowns and/or bridges will inevitably be up to the patient themselves, but the dentists at 32 Dental can help you determine the best solution to your dental concerns and cosmetic desires. Each cosmetic procedure has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential that you call and schedule a consultation appointment with a dentist at 32 Dental in order to find out the dental fix that fits your needs, budget, and personal goals.

Aftercare: Avoid chewing and eating until all numbness is gone. Take anti-inflammatory medications as discussed by the doctor before all the numbness goes away and for a few days after the procedure. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth were the temporary crown or bridge is located. Brush and floss normally and use a desensitizing toothpaste if your teeth are sensitive. Call us if sensitivity lasts more than a few days. Rinse your mouth two times a day with a mixture of warm salt water or prescription mouth rinse to reduce discomfort and swelling. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.