Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic teeth that your dentist at Go 2 Dental may recommend to restore missing teeth. These restorations improve both the appearance and function of your smile, so you can have a healthy smile once again.
There are four types of crowns that you can get from your dentist in Sarasota: porcelain fused to metal, gold alloy, base metal alloy and all-porcelain. The type of material that’s used depends on the needs of the patient, so your dentist can help you select which is right for you.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): This type of crown is made from strong, durable porcelain that looks and feels very similar to your natural tooth. It is often the best option for front teeth because it blends with your smile.
Gold alloy: This type of crown is often more expensive than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, but it can be made to match the color of your teeth and can be much more comfortable to wear. It’s also more resistant to corrosion, which makes it a better option for filling large gaps in your smile.
All-porcelain: This type of crown is generally the least expensive, but it’s not as strong as other materials. The color of your teeth is what determines which crown you can have, so it’s important to discuss this with your dentist.
Your dentist can also recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal or gold alloy crowns if you have severe decay, an implant or a fractured tooth. Regardless of which type of crown you have, you can expect your tooth to last at least 10 years or longer when you take good care of it with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups.
You will probably experience some discomfort or soreness after having a crown or bridge placed, but it should subside over time. You can ask your dentist about getting a numbing agent applied during the procedure.
If you have a missing tooth, you can call your dentist to schedule an appointment for a dental bridge. They will prepare your abutment teeth and then take impressions of those teeth so that your bridge can be crafted at a dental lab.
A bridge is a fixed partial denture that’s made up of a series of dental crowns connected to a fake tooth or teeth called a pontic. These crowns are attached to the existing teeth on either side of the space where you’re missing a tooth, so that you can chew and speak with ease.
Your dentist will need to take measurements and fit the crowns so that they are as close to your natural teeth as possible. Once your dentist is satisfied that the crowns will be a perfect fit, they will cerate and cement them in place.
Lastly, your dentist will give you a temporary bridge so that you can enjoy a healthy smile until your new bridge is ready for its first day of use. You should visit your dentist twice a year to keep up with your oral hygiene and prevent any issues from occurring.