Dental crowns and bridges are two common dental restorations that repair and replace damaged or missing teeth. These restorations are custom-made to fit the individual patient's teeth and mouth and designed to look and function like natural teeth. We talked to Dr Nihal Yadav, BDS (PGI Rohtak), Amayra Dental Clinic, Kaushik Enclave, Burari, Delhi, a former resident at Deen Dayal Hospital, Hari Nagar, to learn more about dental crowns and bridges.
What Is A Dental Crown?
A dental crown, or a tooth cap, is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both and are bonded to the tooth with dental cement.
Dental crowns are recommended for various dental problems, including severe tooth decay, large fillings, cracked or broken teeth, and teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Additionally, dental crowns can be utilised to enhance the look of discoloured or malformed teeth, and they are often used as the final step in dental implant procedures.
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Dental Crown Procedure
A dental crown usually requires two appointments to complete the procedure. The dentist will shape the teeth to suit the crown and remove any decay or damage during the first appointment. The dentist will then make an imprint of the tooth and the teeth around it so that a dental facility can make a custom-fit crown.
In the second appointment, the dentist will place the crown over the tooth and secure it with dental cement. The dentist will check the fit and make necessary adjustments to ensure the crown feels comfortable and looks natural.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is another type of dental restoration used to replace missing teeth. A bridge consists of two or more dental crowns connected to an artificial tooth or teeth, known as a pontic. The crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth, and the pontic is suspended over the gap.
Dental bridges are recommended for patients who have one or more missing teeth and want to restore their appearance and function of teeth. Bridges can stop the movement of the remaining teeth and improve the patient's ability to speak and eat.
Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of getting a dental bridge is similar to that of getting a dental crown. The dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing any decay or damage and shaping them to fit the dental crowns. An impression of the teeth will then be taken to create a custom-made bridge in a dental laboratory.
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During a second appointment, the dentist will place the bridge over the teeth and secure it with dental cement. The dentist will check the fit and make necessary adjustments to ensure the bridge feels comfortable and looks natural.
Bottomline
Dental crowns and bridges are two common dental restorations that repair and replace damaged or missing teeth. These restorations are custom-made to fit the individual patient's teeth and mouth and designed to look and function like natural teeth. If you have damaged or missing teeth, consult your dentist to determine whether dental crowns or bridges are the right choice. With proper care and maintenance, these restorations can provide you with many years of improved dental health and a beautiful smile.
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