Crowns And Bridges
Crowns and Bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist or prosthodontist. Crowns are used most commonly to entirely cover or ‘’cap’’ a damaged tooth or cover an implant.
Your dentist may recommend a crown to:
- Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment.
Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to shift resulting in a bad bite. This can also lead to gum disease and TMJ (joint) disorders. Bridges are commonly used if you are missing one or more teeth. They cover the space where the teeth are missing and are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space.
Care :
Crowns and Bridges last a lifetime as long as they are cared for. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown is to practice good oral hygiene. Regular 6 monthly visits to the dentist for routine exam/cleans and also x-rays once every 2-3 years to check is advisable as well.
