Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices. Crowns and bridges are secured to natural teeth or dental implants and can only be removed by a dentist. This is in contrast to detachable devices like dentures, which you can take out and clean on a regular basis.
Before undertaking any procedure, you will want to be confident in your knowledge. Find the details on Dental Crowns & Bridges here.
A dental bridge is used to repair the gap left by one or more missing teeth, whereas a crown is used to cover an existing tooth. One or more fake teeth are used as part of a bridge, which has a crown on each end.
A dental crown acts as a “cap” over a broken tooth. A crown can be used to reinforce a tooth that is already weak and to enhance its appearance, shape, or alignment. Crowns are advised when:
In comparison, a dental bridge is recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Bridges are bonded to the surrounding natural teeth or dental implants. The anchors for the bridge are these teeth, which are referred to as abutments. The crowns that cover the abutments are connected to a replacement tooth, known as a pontic. You can choose the material for the bridge, just like you can with crowns.
The following conditions are frequently present in patients who are good candidates for dental crowns:
A dental crown is required to protect the affected tooth in cases where patients have undergone root canal therapy for infection. In addition, it must be determined that you have excellent oral health and don’t need any emergency treatment for issues like cavities or periodontal disease.
Dental bridges are a wonderful option for patients who have one or more missing teeth through extractions or tooth loss. Additionally, they must have two healthy teeth in the mouth, one on either side of the gap where teeth are missing. The candidate is not suited for a traditional dental bridge if it is discovered that these teeth are weak in any way or may need future treatment, such as a root canal. This is due to the possibility that the teeth could become infected or weaken over time, making them unfit to support the bridge.
In addition to having good overall oral health, potential candidates for a dental bridge should not need any immediate dental work that needs to be done before the bridge can be placed.
Bridges:
Types of bridges
There are different types of dental bridges. Depending on the position of the lost tooth (or teeth), and the health of your teeth, mouth, and gums, your dentist or prosthodontist will advise the best option.
If there are healthy teeth on either side of the space where the tooth is missing, conventional bridges are used. Your dentist could suggest a single implant to replace a missing tooth between two healthy teeth as an alternative to a bridge. You won’t need to have your healthy teeth filed down in order to prepare them for crowns if you have an implant.
When several or all of your teeth are lost or when you don’t have enough healthy teeth to support a bridge, implant bridges are employed. Dental implants are used as anchors for a custom bridge. First, your dentist will decide if dental implants are the best option for you.
When teeth are lost in the front of the mouth, resin-bonded bridges—also called “Maryland” bridges—are used to replace the teeth. This form of bridge involves bonding the prosthetic teeth to metal bands and cementing them to the back of your natural teeth.
When just one side of the lost tooth or teeth has healthy teeth, a cantilever bridge is used. The artificial tooth is anchored over one or more of your nearby natural teeth during this treatment.
Crowns:
The procedure for installing a dental crown can take anywhere between one to two weeks, depending on you and your dentist’s availability.
A standard dental bridge typically requires at least two appointments with the dentist, each lasting an hour to an hour and a half.
It is normal to experience some mild pressure and short-term sensitivity to heat or cold after having a crown or bridge placed. Call your dentist’s office if after two to three days, your bite still seems uneven or if you have pain when chewing. Delaying the necessary corrections could result in permanent tooth damage. Ask your dentist’s office for advice if the sensitivity worsens over time or does not start to go away after a few weeks.
Other symptoms you might experience after your procedure include:
– Bleeding: Bleeding after surgery is normal, and it may continue for several hours after your appointment. Saliva with a pink or bloody tint may be visible for a couple of days after your surgery.
– Swelling: You may experience swelling the day after surgery and may get worse 2-3 days after your procedure. Swelling will decrease over the next 7-10 days.
– Pain: You may experience some discomfort after your procedure, and your dentist may prescribe you some pain medication to alleviate your pain.
Although they might last a lifetime, crowns and bridges can occasionally become loose or fall out. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most crucial measure you can take to maintain the longevity of your crown or bridge. If the teeth or bone keeping a bridge in place are harmed by dental disease, the bridge may no longer be supported. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day will keep your gums and teeth healthy. Additionally, schedule routine visits with your dentist and hygienist for examinations and expert cleanings.
To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects.
If you have a loose crown, you’ll probably be able to tell since it will likely move and possibly dislocate while you speak or chew. This should not be ignored and should be corrected as soon as possible because it might irritate the mouth and gums.
One of the most common problems that can occur with dental bridges is food that catches underneath the bridge. This may happen if bone resorption alters how well your bridge fits. Bacterial growth could arise from this, which could cause gum disease and damage the teeth holding the bridge in place. A similar issue with bacteria and gingivitis can also be brought on by general tartar and plaque from inadequate oral maintenance. Additionally, be cautious when chewing tough foods, and avoid chewing ice because it can harm your bridge.
Because no two patients are the same, the average cost of a crown and bridge procedure in Canada can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your surgery. The average cost of crowns and bridges can range from $500-$3,000.
7/8 people who underwent a bridge procedure said it was worth it (88%)
59/65 people who underwent a crown procedure said it was worth it (91%)