Visiting the dentist regularly keeps your teeth healthy and free from decay and periodontal disease. However, when a tooth becomes weak, damaged, or lost, it can affect your comfort and ability to eat and sleep. Dental crowns and bridges can restore the health of your teeth and your smile.
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Steps to Getting a Dental Crown
Dental crowns, particularly porcelain ones, are protective caps that a dentist uses to cover your damaged or weak teeth. They restore them to their original shape, size, and strength. The porcelain type also blends well and gives a natural appearance. They involve the following steps:
Step 1: Examination
Your dentist will check your teeth to see if you need a crown. This may be your best option if the tooth has a significant fracture, decay, or a large filling that weakens it. The doctor may also use X-rays to assess your oral health to ensure you don’t have underlying infections.
Step 2: Preparation
For the preparation, the dentist will numb the tooth and the gums around it to ease discomfort. They will then remove your tooth’s decayed or damaged area before reshaping it to fit the crown. If your tooth has lost too much of its structure, the doctor will use a filling material to rebuild it. The filling will give the tooth proper support for the crown.
Step 3: Crown Placement
After you’re ready, the practitioner will take a digital scan of your mouth. This produces a mold that the lab will use to make customized structures. Before the lab completes the permanent ones, the doctor will place temporary ones on your teeth to protect them.
After some time, your custom crowns will be ready to be put in your mouth. Your dentist will remove the temporary ones and carefully fit the permanent ones. They will also check your bite alignment and make adjustments. This is because a misaligned bite might cause you to experience jaw discomfort.
Steps to Getting a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge consists of artificial teeth anchored by crowns, which the practitioner places on your adjacent natural ones. This helps you chew, speak clearly, and maintain your facial structure. Bridges involve the following:
Step 1: Consultation
Your dentist will check your mouth to determine whether a dental bridge is the right solution for your issues. They will examine any gaps and check the strength of the surrounding dental structures that will act as anchors.
Step 2: Preparation
The procedure begins by numbing the tooth and surrounding area. Then, your doctor will reshape the two teeth adjacent to your gap by removing small portions of their enamel. This will help the crowns anchoring the bridge fit securely.
Step 3: Bridge Placement
During placement, the doctor will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom bridge. They will then place a temporary structure before the permanent one is ready. Your doctor will install the permanent one at your next visit while ensuring you have a comfortable bite.
Visit the Dentist Today
Talk to your dentist about crowns and bridges if you have issues speaking, chewing, or swallowing. The doctor will examine your oral health to determine which option best suits you. A bridge can protect your teeth from shifting out of place and offer durability. Contact a dentist today to improve your oral health.
