Dental Crown & bridge Cambridge

Crown (Caps)

Also known as caps, dental crowns are prosthetic restorations that entirely encase a damaged tooth or dental implant. While there are various kinds of crowns available, porcelain ones are most popular owing to their natural appearance. They can be easily customized to match the natural color of a tooth. Although porcelain crowns are highly durable, they may require replacement.

Functions of Crowns:

Crowns can cover a discolored tooth.
Weak, broken, or worn teeth can be easily resorted with crowns.
Protection of tooth that had a previous root canal.
They can protect a tooth that already has a large filling.

What Does Getting a Crown Involve?

The crown procedure typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist takes precise molds for the custom crown and creates a temporary one for you to wear for about two weeks. Once the tooth is numb, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Upon completion of all the crucial steps, your dentist will further place a temporary crown and check the bite to ensure that fittings properly.

At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the new crown is carefully placed to ensure proper spacing and bite. Your dentist or hygienist will share some precautions and tips to maintain your new crown.

Post And Core

Post a Root Canal Treatment (RCT), reinforcing the tooth before placing a crown becomes necessary. During the RCT treatment, the tooth becomes brittle which may lead to fracture and tooth loss as well. If the clinical crown is mostly intact, a prefabricated titanium post can provide adequate reinforcement. For teeth with severe decay, fractures, or heavy restorations, your dentist will recommend a cast post and core for better support.

The procedure is done in two dental visits. The first one involves the dentist removing decayed and damaged materials, and preparing a post hole about 10 mm deep by removing some RCT sealer. The dentist will take an impression of the post hole along with the remaining tooth structure. Both will be sent to the lab and you will receive a temporary crown. You can get back to the dentist within 7-10 days to have the custom-fabricated post and core bonded into place.

Fixed Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed appliance used to replace missing teeth. Although bridges are of several kinds, the best is the traditional one which is made of porcelain fused with metal. Its natural appearance makes it a popular choice among individuals. This bridge consists of two crowns placed over anchoring teeth, connected to artificial teeth (pontics) that fill the gap left by the missing teeth. Due to their good durability, bridges can last for many years. However, they may require replacement or re-cementing due to normal wear.

Functions of a Fixed Bridge:

They fill the missing teeth space
Prevent disposition of the remaining teeth
The facial shape is maintained
Restore chewing and speaking ability

What Does Getting a Fixed Bridge Involve?

The procedure for getting a fixed bridge typically involves two visits. Upon numbing your teeth, your dentist prepares the two anchoring teeth by removing some enamel to make room for a crown. The next step involves taking precise impressions and sending them to a dental lab for the fabrication of the bridge. Additionally, you will wear a temporary bridge until the previous process is done.

A precise impression (mold) is then taken and sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of the bridge. Meanwhile, a temporary bridge is created for you to wear for a few weeks until your next appointment.

During the second visit, your dentist will check the bridge, adjust it, and cement it for a proper fit. At the end of your treatment, you will receive care instructions. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help extend the life of your new permanent bridge.