When you want to repair a damaged tooth, one of the most common solutions is to place a dental crown on top of it. On the other hand, if a tooth has been lost altogether, it can be replaced by a dental bridge. Both of these restorations can be made from a number of materials such as gold, porcelain bonded to metal, and all-ceramic depending on your unique needs and goals. If you’re expecting to need a crown or a bridge in the near future, contact Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry today to schedule a visit and learn more about the process of getting a dental bridge or dental crown in Texarkana.
We offer dental crowns crafted from three materials, and each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Gold is the most durable material, and it is often used for back teeth that absorb more shock during daily wear and tear. However, it is the least cosmetically appealing solution, so patients who have damaged front teeth may prefer one of the other materials. Porcelain bonded to metal offers improved appearance with the strength of a metal restoration. Over time, the porcelain may wear away revealing the darker colored metal below. For the most cosmetic solution, patients should consider all-ceramic crowns. These crowns maintain their natural appearance even after years of wear.
During an initial appointment at our office, one of our dentists will prepare the tooth to receive the crown by removing any damaged or decayed structure. Then, we’ll capture bite impressions that are used by the dental lab to craft the custom crown. Before patients leave, we apply a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. When we receive the final crown, patients return to our office to exchange their temporary for custom dental crown.
A dental bridge is actually made of multiple components. A few replacement teeth called pontics are suspended between a pair of dental crowns. Said crowns are placed on your remaining natural teeth so that the pontics can fill the gap.
Bridges can be made from the same materials as dental crowns, and as such the advantages and disadvantages are largely the same. Gold is highly durable but generally unattractive in the mouth. Porcelain bonded to metal can offer an enhanced appearance and improved strength but become less aesthetically pleasing as time passes. And once again, an all-ceramic bridge will be the best solution for patients who are primarily concerned about appearances. If you’re not sure which type of material is right for you, feel free to discuss your concerns with our dentists.
First the abutment teeth (the teeth next to the gap where the crowns will be placed) need to be prepared. One of our dentists will need to file down the enamel slightly in order to make room for a dental bridge. After that, an impression of your mouth is taken, which will serve as a model when designing the bridge itself. A temporary bridge is normally necessary to protect the altered teeth while you’re waiting for the final restoration. After a couple of weeks, you’ll return to our office to have your permanent bridge cemented in place after we’ve made any necessary last-minute adjustments.
