Dental Crowns and Bridges | Bingham Farms MI Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Dental Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth; a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth beside the gap. Both are made to match your other teeth and are used for long-lasting repairs of broken, decayed or missing teeth. Call (248) 645-5222 or book a visit.

Transcript
When a tooth needs a restoration, sometimes the best choice is an all porcelain crown. It's precision crafted in a dental laboratory, so it may take two or more appointments to restore your tooth with a porcelain crown. On your first visit, we numb the area to make you comfortable. We may also use a rubber dam to protect your mouth while we work. Then, we remove any decay and shape the tooth with a handpiece. Next, we'll take an impression of your teeth. The lab uses the impression to make a model of your mouth. They'll use the model to create a crown that precisely fits your tooth and bite. In the meantime, we often place a temporary crown. On your next visit, we remove the temporary and try in your new porcelain crown. We check the fit and when everything looks good, we bond or cement the crown in place. A porcelain crown has several advantages. It covers and protects the tooth. It's strong and durable. And the porcelain has the lielike translucency of natural teeth. When you need a crown, porcelain crowns are a natural looking choice.

Crowns

When a Tooth Needs a Crown

Weak or cracked teeth

Holds a fragile tooth together so it doesn't break further.

Large fillings

Covers and supports a tooth that is mostly filling.

Bridge support

Anchors a bridge on the teeth next to a gap.

Implants

Tops a dental implant to complete the new tooth.

Discolored or misshapen teeth

Improves the look of a tooth that can't be whitened or reshaped.

Step by step

Getting a Crown

  1. Prepare the toothThe tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it.
  2. ImpressionA model of the tooth and gums goes to the dental lab.
  3. Temporary crownProtects the tooth while the lab makes your crown.
  4. Final crownAt the second visit the permanent crown is fitted and cemented.

Crowns typically last five to eight years and often much longer with good home care. Avoid chewing ice, biting your nails and grinding your teeth.

Bridges

Replacing a Missing Tooth With a Bridge

A bridge is a false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side, or in some cases by implants. It is cemented in and doesn't come out.

  • Restores your ability to chew and speak normally.
  • Stops neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap and throwing off your bite.
  • Keeps teeth easier to clean, lowering the risk of decay and gum disease.
  1. First visitThe supporting teeth are shaped, an impression is taken and a temporary bridge is placed.
  2. Second visitThe permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted and cemented.

After treatment

What to Expect

“My new crown or bridge feels sensitive.”

Mild soreness or sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days is normal. An over-the-counter pain reliever helps; call us if it lasts longer.

“How do I clean under a bridge?”

Brush and floss daily, including under the false tooth. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the best technique.

Questions

Crown and Bridge FAQs

How many visits does a crown take?

Usually two: one to prepare the tooth and one to place the finished crown.

Bridge or implant?

Both replace missing teeth. A bridge relies on the neighboring teeth; an implant stands on its own. Your dentist will explain which suits your mouth.

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