Dentistry covers a broad spectrum of work – from regular cleanings and X-rays, to various cosmetic and restorative procedures. Keeping those teeth healthy and beautiful is not only necessary for your dental health, but also for heart health, keeping a strong immune system, and several other aspects of your overall wellbeing. Crowns and bridge treatment can be essential in keeping your smile healthy and strong. Both can be implemented out of necessity (to replace a large filling, restore a fractured tooth, etc.) or for cosmetic purposes. Either way, it is important to know about these dental procedures. Listed here are some helpful ways to tell whether or not you may need a crown or bridge.
Bridges:
A bridge may be needed if a tooth is missing or severely damaged. This missing or damaged tooth creates a gap in your mouth, leaving ample space for neighboring teeth to shift. This can result in crooked teeth or an uncomfortable bite. A bridge is used to connect the teeth that neighbor the gap, essentially eliminating the space created by the damaged tooth. Bridge appointments are typically scheduled right when a tooth is lost, or after patient’s bite has become misshapen/uncomfortable.
Crowns:
A crown may be needed for a multitude of reasons. Among the most common are: to repair a damaged tooth that cannot be fixed by a filling, to protect/cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal, to fix a broken tooth, or to replace/cover a discolored tooth. When placing a crown, the original tooth is usually drilled down to a size where a crown can fit over it perfectly. This procedure can be completed either for cosmetic purposes or to keep teeth healthy and strong.
Both bridges and crowns are common dental procedures. It is important to get your teeth cleaned every six months so that your dentist can tell early on whether or not you need a crown or bridge.