Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Crowns & Bridges

A crown is utilized to restore an existing tooth back to its natural appearance. Whereas a bridge uses surrounding teeth to help fill the gap of a missing tooth. Bridges and crowns differ from dentures, as they are fixed prosthetics. Should problems arise or additional treatment becomes necessary, a dentist will be the only one able to remove these materials.

A dental crown, sometimes known as a “cap,” is a special type of restoration that is designed to fit over, protect, and support a damaged tooth. Today’s crowns are typically made of porcelain or ceramic and can be shaded and designed to look virtually identical to a natural tooth. Once a crown has been placed, in fact, it’s highly unlikely that anyone will be able to tell your capped tooth apart from your other teeth. A dental crown, sometimes known as a “cap,” is a special type of restoration that is designed to fit over, protect, and support a damaged tooth. Today’s crowns are typically made of porcelain or ceramic and can be shaded and designed to look virtually identical to a natural tooth. Once a crown has been placed, in fact, it’s highly unlikely that anyone will be able to tell your capped tooth apart from your other teeth.

Dental crowns are primarily used to repair and strengthen damaged teeth. Dental crowns are routinely made for those teeth that have broken, have had large portions destroyed by tooth decay or have had root canal treatment. This is because beyond just restoring a tooth’s shape, a crown can provide a reinforcing and strengthening effect too. The strengthening capability of a dental crown is due to the fact that it cups over and encases the tooth on which it is placed. A crown literally acts as a splint that holds a tooth together. Once a crown has been placed, the tooth can withstand a greater level of chewing forces without risk of fracture. In comparison, dental fillings don’t substantially increase the overall strength of a tooth.

Crowns can also improve the appearance of teeth (including color, shape and even apparent alignment). Since a cemented crown becomes its tooth’s new outer surface, it’s not too hard to understand how placing one can be used to restore or improve the shape of a tooth. It’s easier to get the “perfect” tooth shape with a crown. A dental laboratory technician gets the opportunity to simulate and examine aspects of your bite and jaw movements from a variety of angles, and then sculpt your dental crown so it has the ideal shape.

A dental bridge is an appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth , which is cemented into place and can’t be removed. And if it can’t be removed it means you can’t take it out to clean it every night like you can with dentures. So if it’s staying in your mouth 24/7 it needs to be 100% clean and fresh at all times.

A dental bridge depends on the health of the adjacent teeth and gums for support. To care for your bridge, brush and floss normally after each meal.

Super Floss and floss readers are effective tools for keeping the area under your bridge plaque-free.

Superfloss has a stiff end that helps in threading it through tight areas and a fuzzy tufted segment that can remove plaque as you floss. Insert the super floss under the bridge and use it to floss the sides of the teeth and under the bridge.

On average fixed restorations lasts 7-15 years. This time can be reduced if you do not clean the teeth properly and allow gum disease or dental decay to affect the teeth. Also trauma can damage restorations in the same way it damages natural teeth.

A lost tooth creates a gap in the alignment of teeth. Therefore, once the space is no longer occupied with a tooth, the teeth are likely to shift and move out of place. Thus, a bridge fills the gap and helps to maintain the structure of your smile.

Yes and no. It is possible to address the area of concern with a large filling. However, it is important to note that with a large filling comes the risk of the tooth fracturing, which would lead to additional treatment. Hence, we recommend a dental crown in most cases and will only do a procedure if it is in the best interest of a patient. Our goal is to keep patients comfortable while providing the highest level of care.

When placing a crown, we will carefully match the color to your surrounding teeth. At shanti dentals, we want you to feel confident in your smile.

You may notice that the procedure area feels slightly different. However, it should go away within a few days. If it continues to bother you, contact us as soon as possible and we will make adjustments if necessary.

The first visit will include preparing teeth surrounding the previously occupied area to allow for crowns to be placed. We will contour the surrounding teeth and take impressions. At the second appointment, we will place the permanent bridge. From there, your dentist will examine if any adjustments are needed. Additional appointments may be required to ensure proper fit.

Eating should be made easier with a dental bridge, increasing your ability to chew. We suggest taking small bites of soft food to help you transition to the feel of your tooth.

No, teeth often receive crowns without a root canal.

Not necessarily. If the teeth either side of a gap require crowns may be more sensible and economical to have a bridge.