Losing one or multiple teeth may create a gap between your teeth, eventually leading to dental issues like disintegrating your jawbone. One of the main solutions to replace the missing tooth is through dental crowns or bridges. A dental crown or bridge might be used to cover the gaps caused by the missing teeth.
The dental devices are prepared using materials like alloys, porcelain, or gold. When replacing your tooth, porcelain is the common material that matches your natural teeth. Dental crowns or bridges can help you improve your smile's aesthetic and functionality if you are missing one or more teeth.
Before you choose dental appliances, you want to know whether you are the right candidate for the procedure. Our dental experts at Beach Dental Care Anaheim are ready to help you replace missing teeth with dental crowns or bridges. We offer cosmetic dentistry and comprehensive treatment using modern equipment to ensure quality treatment. If you are seeking dental services in Anaheim, CA, we are here for you.
How do Dental Crowns or Bridges Work?
A dental crown caps the weak, decayed, or damaged tooth. The crowns generally help maintain the shape, appearance, strength, and size of the tooth. If you miss a tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. On the top of your implant, the dentist will place a crown. The crown is made from one or a combination of several materials. Gold alloy is the commonly available material for making crowns. Ceramic, acrylic, and porcelain crowns match your natural teeth. Ceramic and acrylic options are durable.
Alternatively, in dental bridges, the dentist places a cap on the dental implant at the outer edge of your tooth. Like under dental bridges, you have many options for choosing your bridge. Your dentist will advise you on the best dental bridge, depending on your dental needs. But you want to consider several factors, like the cost, how the bridge works, and the visibility of the tooth.
Various Types of Crowns and Bridges
There are different types of crowns you may use. The crowns depend on the type of material used in their manufacturing. They include:
Porcelain Fused Metal
Porcelain fused metal is stronger than regular porcelain because it is attached to a metal structure. The type is used for fixing front teeth as ceramic blends properly with your teeth's natural color. Porcelain is the best, especially when the affected tooth lies in the front part of the mouth.
Base Metal Alloys
Base Metal alloys are resistant to corrosion and make very strong crowns. Again, the type requires less tooth removal for fitting than any other crown type.
Stainless Steel
A stainless steel crown protects the tooth when making a permanent crown. It alleviates the risk of bacteria and decay from entering your treatment site while waiting for a permanent crown. Stainless steel is rarely used permanently. When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the steel crown and replaces it with a permanent crown.
Gold Alloy
Gold alloys include a mix of metals like copper and gold. The crown is durable since it does not tear the tooth out. Gold crowns and metal alloys are the best and sturdiest materials for crowns. Gold alloy crowns redist decay and withstands chewing and biting.
Types of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are dental restoration used for replacing missing teeth, whether extracted due to decay or structural damage. The dentist places a bridge over the gap left by the missing tooth. The teeth on the side act as anchors, and the holes in the middle are replaced with fake teeth. After placement, dental bridges have a natural appearance:
Traditional Dental Bridge
Traditional dental bridges are the most used type of dental bridge. The dental bridges are cemented onto the tooth next to the gap. The crowns hold false teeth in place. Your dentist removes the enamel adjacent to your tooth to fix traditional bridges. They want to create space for the crowns to be cemented on top. One major benefit of traditional bridges is their strength.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are like traditional bridges. The difference is that one side of the false teeth will have dental crowns supporting it. The type is mostly used when you have one side of the gap with a natural tooth next to it. Cantilever bridges save both time and money when placed safely.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges have a metal or porcelain framework that holds the pontic. The metal is bonded to the backs of the two teeth next to the gap. The metal eliminates the need for modifying the adjacent tooth and simply adheres to the back. The bridge's strength depends on the resin holding it in place. Maryland bonded bridges are conservative and affordable types of bridges.
Implant Supported Bridges
Implant-supported bridges are of the same structure as traditional bridges. However, they are anchored in place with dental implants. Because of this, You may use Implant-supported bridges when you have more than one tooth missing. Normally, the dentist places an implant for each of the missing teeth. The bridges are secure and comfortable. Again, they are known for their durability and ability to restore the tooth's normal function.
The Dental Bridge and Crown Procedure
Many people are familiar with terms like canal implants, bridges, and crowns. However, a few need to be made aware of what the dental procedure entails. It is essential to understand the dental procedure involved in crowns and bridges. Bridges and crowns are common dental procedures that can help improve your oral health.
Placing dental crowns and bridges involves several steps, although it is a straightforward procedure. During the first appointment, your dentist prepares the teeth; after the tooth preparation, the dentist recontours either side of the gap. The professional expert removes a portion of the enamel before placing the crown over the tooth.
After the preparation of the tooth, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth and creates a model. The model is used at the dental lab to create the crown or the bridge. During the first appointment, your dentist makes a temporary crown or bridge for you to wear until the next appointment. The temporary bridge will protect your teeth from germs until the dentist prepares the permanent crown or bridge at the lab.
During the second dental appointment, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with a new bridge or crown. The bridges are more likely made from porcelain. The dentist will need to twist the crown so it might adjust and fit perfectly in your mouth.
Usually, your dentist will require multiple visits to ensure the crowns or the dental bridges fit correctly. How many visits you make to the dentist will depend on your individual dental needs. The fixed bridges will be cemented for two weeks to determine whether the crowns or bridges fit well. After the first visit, the dentist can fix the bridges permanently.
Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
When you use dental crowns or bridges, you will enjoy numerous benefits associated with the dental procedure. The following are the potential benefits you will enjoy after undergoing the dental procedures:
Smile Restoration
Dental crowns and bridges are recommended if you miss teeth and want to restore your smile. When you are confident with your smile, your smile will improve the quality of your life. So, this is an essential element to consider when deciding whether crowns and bridges are good for your dental health.
Prevent Your Teeth From Movement
Crowns and bridges can help you keep your teeth in their natural position. When you fill the missing teeth with bridges or crowns, the natural teeth will be held in their position. Therefore the natural teeth will have limited drift or become loose.
Maintain Your Facial Shape
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone may deteriorate under the affected area. Therefore it is essential to ensure the area where you have missing teeth and replace the gum as early as possible. That’s why dental crowns and bridges are the best options.
Chewing and Speaking
The other essential benefit of using dental crowns and bridges is that they give you the ability to speak and chew properly. When someone loses a tooth, it becomes difficult to chew certain foods. Also, pronunciation of certain words becomes challenging. Dental bridges and crowns can save the problem.
Why Do You Require Dental Crowns or Bridges?
Your teeth require crowns and bridges when they are no longer enough to withstand chewing. There are many reasons why you may require the crown and bridges. The following are the common signs that you require dental crowns and bridges.
You Have Broken Teeth
A broken tooth might be painful and affect your oral health and smile. When a broken tooth is left untreated, it might become severely damaged and lead to tooth extraction. When you suffer a broken tooth and do not require extraction, crowns and bridges might be the best option for oral health. A crown can encase the broken tooth completely. The crown or bridge will help prevent further damage to your tooth and restore your appearance, strength, and structure.
You Have a New Day on a Tooth with a Filling
Once your doctor treats tooth decay with dental fillings, whether composite or silver amalgam, it is more likely tooth decay will appear over time. Tooth decay may occur around the filling. Your dentist may use another dental filling to treat the tooth decay; however, in many cases, the decay requires to be treated with a crown or bridge. Remember, when you place another filing on the tooth, it might weaken the tooth and leave it vulnerable to additional damage.
You Had Root Canal Therapy
You may require root canal therapy when your nerve tissues and the inner pulp become infected. During the therapy, the dental expert removes the decayed portions along the affected tissues. So, the therapy leaves the tooth at a high risk of potentially breaking.
You Suffer from Cracked Tooth Syndrome
This is a condition where you have a cracked tooth, but your teeth are not broken. The syndrome can attract sharp pain when you bite or chew foods. Many people with this syndrome experience pain when only biting or chewing food. Others notice sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures. Placing a crown or bridge over the crack can help you avoid cracked tooth syndrome and protect against future teeth damage.
How to Ensure Proper Healing After Dental Bridges or Crown
First, you want to listen to all instructions from your dental expert. The dentist knows your situation better. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you have any concerns or questions. However, if you are looking for general information on how to care for the bridges or crowns, the following tips will help you:
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Refrain from acting like you are walking on eggshells while cleaning your bridges or crowns. The bridges and the crowns are secure and strong, so you can brush and floss your teeth as usual. Always aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Use Pain Relievers When Required
After the dental procedure, your mouth will be painful. Although your dentist may inform you to expect pain for at least two weeks, the pain might last longer. During a couple of days after the dental procedure, you might experience soreness or aches. To relieve the pain, you might use painkillers like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
See Your Dental Expert Regularly
Apart from observing oral health care in the comfort of your home, you want to visit your dentist regularly. During the visits, your dentist will examine and monitor your progress. If the dentist detects any issue with your crowns or bridges, they will fix the problem as early as possible.
Avoid Chewing or Biting Hard Objects and Foods
Although your dental crowns or bridges resemble your natural teeth, the devices may not withstand the pressure of chewing or biting hard objects or foods. Doing so may cause severe damage to both your natural teeth and dental bridges or crown.
Pay Attention to Your Bite
Becoming used to the bridges or crowns might take a few days. Other times you may require adjustments in your bridges or crowns. Therefore when you feel dull aches, you may contact your dental expert. Often, a slight adjustment may make a difference.
Be Careful while Your Mouth is Numb
Based on how much your dental expert used a local anesthetic, you may experience numbness for several hours after the dental procedure. You want to remain careful on your bites as the numbness wears out. Try not to bite or chew your lip, cheek, or tongue accidentally.
How Do Dental Bridges and Crowns Last?
Sometimes the bridges and the crowns may become loose or fall after chewing hard foods, objects, or ice. Also, the crowns may fall because of bone loss or dental disease. When you practice proper dental hygiene, the bridges and the crowns may last forever. You want to brush the crowns at least twice a day. You may also use other helpful products like antimicrobial mouth rinses. You want to consult your dentist whenever you experience any dental crowns or bridges issues.
The Common Complications for Dental Crowns and Bridges
In many dental issues, the dental implant is the foundation of the bridge or the crown. Dental implants cannot cause any dental issues, and potential complications are rare. The rare complications usually occur immediately after the dental procedure. Therefore you want to learn the potential risks associated with the crowns or bridges. The potential complications include the following:
- Excess pain after the dental procedure.
- Persistent swelling or a yellow discharge might be an indication of an abscess or an infection.
One of the common problems with dental crowns or bridges is the food sticking underneath the crown or bridge. Food may stick when the bridge fits poorly. Food buildup may result in bacteria causing infection or diseases. Therefore, ensure you seek medical attention from your dentist whenever you experience pain or sensitivity.
What is the Average Cost of Dental Crowns and Bridges
The average cost for the crowns is around $500. However, several dental crowns may cost as much as $2500 based on the type of material that makes the crown. Also, the cost varies based on the tooth covered. Alternatively, the average cost for obtaining dental bridges is at least $700 to $1500 based on the number of teeth the dentist is treating.
If your dentist requires you to take the bridges out, ensure you store the dental devices in the container provided by your dentist. Otherwise, the dental appliances will easily crack or chip when left lying around.
Contact a Dentist Near Me
Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth? You are not alone. You want to seek medical help from a reliable and experienced dentist. At Beach Dental Care Anaheim, we value our patients. We educate our patients on the dental care they require and inform them of the available options.
We want all our clients to receive quality treatment as we strive to ensure that patients obtain exceptional dental care and affordable services. If you seek to replace your missing teeth with dental crowns in Anaheim, CA, do not hesitate to call us. Contact us today at 714-995-4000 and speak with one of our experienced dentists.
