Crowns & Bridges
Chances are that you're considering having a crown, a number of
crowns or a permanent bridge designed. To assure the most
esthetic and functional results possible, your cooperation and
understanding are especially important to us. In this pamphlet
we'll take you, step by step, through crown and bridge treatment.
We encourage you to ask questions along the way.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Losing a tooth can be of social and psychological concern.
Teeth are lost for a number of reasons including:
- Dental decay
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Trauma (injury or accident)
When a permanent tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth are
affected. Because the support and chewing forces are altered,
the remaining teeth will begin to shift. The tooth above or
below the one that was lost will begin to move up and out of its
socket. This accelerates periodontal (gum) disease and causes
further breakdown in the dental arch. If the missing tooth is
not replaced, more teeth will eventually be lost, due to the
improper forces exerted during chewing.
What Is Crown And Bridge Treatment?
Crown and bridge treatment is a permanent method of replacing
missing teeth. A crown is placed on an individual tooth,
(somewhat like a thimble over your finger) where there is no longer
sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling.
A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in
the dental arch. The teeth on either end of the span are
crowned, and are referred to as abutments. The false teeth in
a bridge that join the abutments are referred to as pontics.
Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials
such as precious metals (gold), semi-precious metals, porcelain, or
a combination of metal fused to porcelain. Both esthetics
(appearance) and function are considered when selecting the material
most suitable for you. All porcelain crowns are used in areas
most visible when smiling. This allows for the most lifelike
appearance.
How Is Treatment Performed?
At the first appointment a thorough oral examination, evaluation
of your dental history and necessary X-rays are completed. The
diagnosis is based on these three factors. Once it has
been determined that crown and bridge treatment is indicated, you
will be set up with a series of appointments. Note: It's
important that you keep all of these appointments. You see,
your treatment occurs in a planned sequence. Missing or
postponing your appointment may cause treatment delays, allowing
further tooth movement before treatment can be completed.
 What Will Happen?
The tooth or teeth to be treated are numbed with an anesthetic.
Sometimes you can expect the side of your face to feel numb, as
well. Next, during the preparation phase, your tooth or teeth
to be crowned are trimmed down. This allows sufficient space
for the crown or bridge to fit.
After this preparation stage has been completed, an impression of
that area of your mouth is taken. Modern impression materials
make it possible to take an extremely accurate record (impression)
and thus make the best possible restoration for your mouth. The
shade of the crown will be matched to your natural teeth at your
first appointment.
 At the following appointment, the crown or
bridge is adjusted for proper fit, prior to permanent placement.
It is often necessary to fine trim and polish the new crown or
bridge. Other factors we consider include:
- Esthetics - color match and appearance
- Function - chewing and biting accuracy
- Tissue compatibility - the contour of the prosthesis must
allow the surrounding tissue to conform to a natural, healthy
position.
Replacing Missing Teeth:
- Helps restore and maintain the natural bite.
- Prevents unnatural stress on other teeth.
- Helps keep opposing teeth in their proper place.
- Prevents shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth.
- Helps prevent further dental decay and periodontal (gum)
disease.
- Maximizes your smile, speech and chewing function.
A Final Word...
Throughout your crown and bridge treatment you may have question
or concerns not covered on this page. We will make every
effort to ensure your comfort during crown and bridge treatment.
And we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Our
concern is your comfort and confidence. Our goal is to help
preserve your smile for a lifetime.
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