 CROWN AND BRIDGE
If you’re faced with tooth loss, crown and bridge treatment may be the right restorative option for you. This long term solution can help prevent the cycle of problems that can occur when just one tooth is missing, such as shifting of the remaining teeth, decay, periodontal disease and bone loss. We will help you understand why restoration through crown and bridge is so important, and what the procedure involves. Reasons for Crowns: A crown, sometimes called a cap, is a tooth like covering placed over a carefully prepared existing tooth. It is used to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth. The crown fits over a carefully prepared existing tooth. Single crowns are advised when a large portion of the tooth has been damaged by decay. Most crowns are made of porcelain material that closely replicates the appearance and function of your natural teeth. Crowns and bridgework are the historical standards in dental restorations and are a process with which many people are familiar. For many years these restorations were made entirely from precious metals (gold alloy, platinum, palladium) exposing a gold or silver tooth. Those precious metals are still used in crown and bridge work, but today there is the added aesthetic of porcelain, which makes the restoration look and function like your natural teeth. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or aesthetics. Porcelain crowns completely cover the exposed tooth structure down to the gum line. They are often used to repair teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or have broken down from decay or a fracture too extensive to be restored by a filling. A porcelain crown is created in a laboratory, specially designed and crafted to fit perfectly and blend with your natural teeth. The shade of porcelain is carefully selected to match your surrounding teeth, making the crowns appear as natural as your unrestored teeth. The materials used are a high noble (precious) metal interior (for strength) and a porcelain exterior (for cosmetics). The strength of the material creates a crown that functions like a natural tooth. Once the crown is permanently cemented, chewing ability is like that of your natural teeth. Having a customized crown made requires two appointments : The tooth is carefully prepared and impressions are taken to create a natural looking crown to fit your smile. Permanently cementing your new crown or bridgework. If you are missing one or more teeth in an area, a bridge may be an option. Bridgework is used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. A series of crowns (called pontics) are crafted to replace the missing teeth. These are anchored to natural teeth (called abutments) on either end of the span. The materials used for creating a bridge are similar to those of a crown, allowing a custom shade of porcelain to match your surrounding teeth. As with the crown, once the bridgework is permanently cemented you may again enjoy your favorite foods with confidence. Bridgework allows you to avoid that sunken in appearance caused by missing teeth and stabilizes that area of the dental arch to give you a more youthful appearance, allowing you to smile once more with confidence. Crowns and bridgework are very durable and can last a lifetime with extra care and by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Dobson will be happy to answer any of your questions you may have throughout your crown and bridge treatment. During the process we do everything we can to ensure your comfort. Our goal is to help you preserve your smile for a lifetime.     
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