Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an option to replace a missing tooth by relying on the natural teeth that remain around it. A bridge involves placing crowns on the surrounding teeth which support an additional crown to fill the gap where a tooth is missing.
A bridge is the standard of care when:
- Teeth adjacent to unwanted space require, or could benefit from crowns
- An implant is not a treatment option (or not ideal) for specified area
Dental Crowns
Crowns, also known as “caps”, cover the entire surface of a tooth. They are customized to give a natural and esthetically pleasing appearance. Crowns are indicated when a tooth is considered structurally compromised.
A tooth’s structure is considered compromised when:
- There is a lack of tooth structure remaining, due to a large area of decay or trauma
- Erosion of the enamel has occurred
- History of grinding or clenching which has worn away tooth structure over time
- Crack in the tooth which extends into structure of tooth placing it at a high risk for fracturing
- A tooth has had endodontic treatment (root canal)
Benefits of Crowns:
- Feels like a natural tooth
- Looks like a natural tooth
- Functions like a natural tooth
- Provides protection and strength – crowns can withstand forces much greater than a natural tooth
- Durability
