Important Things to Know Before Getting Dental Crowns And Bridges

Are you dealing with damaged or missing teeth that make it difficult to chew and smile confidently? Dental crowns and bridges may be the solution for you. These dental restorations can improve your oral health, boost your self-esteem, and enhance your overall appearance. However, before deciding to get them, there are some important things you need to know. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from what they are to how to prepare for them. Let’s dive in!

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a dental restoration used to cover or cap a damaged tooth. It is usually made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal and is designed to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.

Dental crowns are typically recommended when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left for the placement of fillings, inlays, or onlays. They can also be used to protect weak teeth from breaking or restore broken teeth. Crowns can even be placed over dental implants to replace missing teeth.

The process of getting a dental crown involves first preparing the existing tooth by removing any decayed or damaged parts and reshaping it if necessary. Then an impression of the prepared tooth is taken to create a custom-made crown that fits perfectly over it.

Once the crown has been fabricated, it will be cemented onto your natural tooth using a special adhesive material. With proper care, dental crowns can last many years and provide you with functional and aesthetic benefits that improve your overall oral health.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between. These crowns called abutment teeth, serve as anchors for the false tooth or teeth, which are known as pontics.

Dental bridges can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, gold alloys, and metal alloys. The type of material used will depend on factors such as where the bridge will be placed in your mouth and your preference.

There are several benefits to getting a dental bridge. Firstly, it can improve your appearance by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth. Secondly, it can help you speak and chew properly again. Additionally, it can prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of position due to an empty space left by the missing tooth.

It is important to take good care of your dental bridge once it has been fitted. This includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once per day to remove any food debris stuck between the pontic and surrounding gums.

Getting a dental bridge is an effective solution for replacing missing teeth that offers both aesthetic improvement and functional benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Getting Dental Crowns And Bridges?

Getting dental crowns and bridges can have a significant impact on your oral health. Dental crowns are used to repair damaged teeth, while dental bridges replace missing teeth. Here are some benefits of getting these procedures done.

1. One of the most apparent benefits is improved appearance. Crowns and bridges can restore broken or chipped teeth, giving you a perfect smile that looks natural. With advances in technology, dental restorations now closely resemble real teeth.
2. Another benefit is increased durability. Crowns and bridges are made from strong materials like porcelain and metal alloys which make them highly resistant to wear and tear. With proper care, they can last for many years.
3. Dental implants may be another option if you’re missing one or more teeth; however, they require surgery whereas crowns and bridges don’t need such invasive treatment.
4. Dental crowns and bridges also help improve chewing ability by restoring normal bite pressure distribution between your remaining healthy teeth.
5. Choosing to get dental crowns or bridges can greatly enhance both the look of your smile as well as the functionality of your mouth so it’s worth considering if you have any issues with damaged or missing teeth!

How Should You Prepare For Dental Crowns And Bridges?

Preparing for dental crowns and bridges is an important step in ensuring a successful outcome. Here are some things you should keep in mind as you prepare:

First, communicate with your dentist about any concerns or questions you may have. They can provide specific instructions tailored to your individual needs.

Next, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene leading up to the procedure. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as scheduling a cleaning prior to the appointment.

It’s also recommended to avoid hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage or dislodge the temporary crown or bridge. Additionally, smoking and consuming alcohol should be avoided before and after the procedure.

Make sure you have someone available to drive you home after the appointment if necessary, especially if anesthesia was used during the procedure.

By following these simple guidelines for preparation, you can help ensure a smooth process and achieve optimal results from your dental crowns and bridges.

The Bottom Line

Dental crowns and bridges are excellent options for restoring your smile and improving your oral health. However, it’s crucial to consider the above-mentioned factors before deciding to get them.

Remember that proper preparation is necessary to ensure a successful outcome, including choosing the right dentist, understanding the procedure’s cost and risks involved, discussing possible alternatives with your dentist, and maintaining good oral hygiene after receiving the treatment.

By following these steps and taking care of your oral health regularly, you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. Don’t hesitate to speak with our Calgary dentist today about whether dental crowns or bridges are right for you!