Dental Crown and Bridge Process

If you’re dealing with dental damage or missing teeth, Dr. Curtis Crandall can use a variety of modern dental treatments to restore both the health and look of your smile. 

Two popular ones are dental crowns and bridges. Check out this short guide to understand the differences between the two and which one might work for you.
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Why Do I Need a Dental Crown and Bridge?

Dental crowns and bridges are used in restorative dentistry to address dental damage and help a patient get back a healthy smile. 

Though they are similar, there are some key differences: 

• Dental crowns: A cap used to restore a single tooth It’s a way to prevent tooth extraction 

• Dental bridges: A prosthetic made of 1-3 artificial teeth and a dental cap on each side It can be used to replace adjacent missing teeth and restore damage.
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Treatment Process for Crowns and Bridges

You can get a crown or bridge in just a few steps:

• Treatment: First, your tooth is treated to remove damage (such as cavities) or even extracted if the damage is severe;

• Prep: For both crowns and bridges, the teeth that anchor the cap need shaving to reduce their size;

• Model: Both crowns and bridges are made to match your smile perfectly. Your dentist will take a mold of your teeth or a digital scan to design the prosthetic.

• Construction: Traditional dental crowns can take 1-2 weeks to make in a lab, though some dentists also offer same-day crowns and bridges, which are ready in just a few hours;

• Placement: When the crown or bridge is ready, it’s permanently cemented, and your smile is restored.
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What to Expect When Getting a Crown 

Dental crowns may need additional treatment since they are usually used as part of restorative treatments like fillings or even root canals.

Though they are custom-made, you may need a few days to get used to them since they may feel strange at first.
 

What to Expect When Getting a Bridge 

Getting a bridge means changing two natural teeth forever. The anchors need to be resized so the caps can properly fit and tooth tissue does not grow back. 

It’s important to understand this before you get a bridge since you will need one for the rest of your life. Moreover, bridges can also feel strange in the beginning, but the sensation goes away in a few days.
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How to Care for the Bridge or Crown 

You can care for both crowns and bridges by:

• Having good oral hygiene habits
• Seeing the dentist routinely
• Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
• Not smoking
• Not drinking alcohol
• Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables
• Avoiding sticky, hard, and chewing foods

To find out if you need a crown or a bridge, you can see Dr. Curtis Crandall for an appointment.

Request a visit to South Hills Dental Arts today.