Johns Island Crowns and Bridges

About Dental Crowns

A dental crown will cover the entirety of a tooth that has been damaged. This is known as a cap, which serves the purpose of making the damaged tooth stronger. A dental crown can also be used for the purpose of improving a tooth that is misaligned or abnormally shaped to enhance your smile. There are some instances when a crown is placed over an implant for the purpose of providing a shape that’s tooth-like, which can improve the function of the implant.

When using a ceramic or porcelain crown, it will be matched to your natural teeth color. There are a variety of materials used for dental crowns, including acrylic, metal alloy and gold alloy. The team here at Cypress Family Dental will help you determine which material is best for you based on several factors. Alloys tend to have more strength than porcelain, which is why they are often used for back teeth. However, it’s possible to bond porcelain to a metal shell to make it stronger and more attractive.

How do you know if you need a dental crown? There are many reasons why this procedure might be recommended. It can be used to replace a sizeable filling, restore a tooth that’s fractured, protect a tooth that has been weakened, cover a dental implant, attach a bridge, cover a poorly shaped tooth, cover a tooth after a root canal or cover a tooth that’s discolored.

About Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are often used when you have one or more teeth missing. This procedure is necessary because a gap caused by a missing tooth will eventually result in the remaining teeth shifting, which then causes a bite that is out of alignment. This is a common cause of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and it can also result in gum disease.

A bridge will span across the space where your teeth are missing. Dental bridges are then cemented onto your natural teeth or onto dental implants that are surrounding the empty space. A pontic (replacement tooth) is then used to cover the abutment. Similar to crowns, there are different materials that can be used for bridges. We will help you decide which material to use based on your unique needs and aesthetic preferences.

Longevity of Crowns and Bridges

It’s possible for dental crowns and bridges to last for a lifetime if you have good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth a minimum of twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Taking care of your teeth when you have crowns and bridges is no different than taking care of your natural teeth. Without proper dental care, decay caused by bacteria can negatively affect your gums and teeth. Another way to increase the longevity of crowns and bridges is by avoiding hard foods that can cause cracks and other damage.

To learn more about crowns and bridges at Cypress Family Dental, please give us a call and our team would be happy to answer any questions.