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7 Things You Must Know About Dental Crowns And Bridges

Are you one of the million people dealing with dental problems? Several tooth restoration methods are introduced in the market, thanks to the ever-advancing technology and dental science. Different restoration methods are ideal for different kinds of dental problems. The most common and widely done methods are dental crowns and bridges. Let’s dig deeper into these two types and know everything about the procedures.

  1. Reasons to Undergo Below-given Treatments

Dental Crowns

  • Damaged tooth due to an infection

  • Minor to severe decays

  • Dental implant coverage

  • Post- root canal coverage

  • Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth

  • Discolored or stained teeth

Dental Bridges

  • Replace single or multiple missing teeth

  • Filling the gaps

  • Straighten misaligned teeth due to gaps

  1. Materials

Dental Crowns

  • Dental porcelain

  • Metal mostly gold and silver

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

Dental Bridges

  • Dental porcelain

  • Metal mostly gold and silver

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)

  1. Various Types

Dental Crowns

  • Complete crowns

  • Partial crowns

  • Crowns for root filled teeth

Dental Bridges

  • Traditional

  • Resin bonded

  • Cantilever

  1. Duration of Procedure

Dental Crowns

This procedure generally takes 1-2 weeks and involves at least 2 dental visits. In the first visit, the x-ray and impressions of your teeth are taken. Your affected tooth or teeth are trimmed and prepared to fit the crowns. Temporary crowns are fitted till the permanent crowns are ready. In the next visit, the crowns are cemented and fitted over the filed teeth.

Dental Bridges

The procedure generally takes a week’s time. The procedure involves at least 2 dental visits. In the first visit, the impressions of the two teeth that neighbor the gap are taken. These teeth are then filed and prepared and temporary crowns are placed over them. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory to make the bridges. The temporary crowns are removed and bridges are attached and fixed in place during the second visit. You may also need 1-2 visits after the bridge is in place to make sure it fits comfortably.

  1. Common after-effects

Generally, there are no severe after-effects of both dental crowns and bridges treatments. People often experience teeth sensitivity in the shaved or filed teeth as the outer layer is prepared for the treatment. Irritation in the gums can be felt to some extent.

  1. Longevity

If maintained and looked after properly, dental crowns can survive for about 20-25 years. Same way, with proper maintenance, dental bridges can last for a decade.

  1. Post-treatment Care

Dental Crowns and Bridges

  • Treat crowns like your natural teeth

  • Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily

  • Avoid chewing or biting hard foods

  • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth

  • Limit the consumption of acidic and high pigmented food and beverages if you have porcelain crowns and bridges

  • Give up smoking and chewing tobacco

Visit our Edmonton Downtown Dentists regularly for a professional cleaning and timely check-up of your dental crowns and bridges to keep them effective for a longer time.