Crowns and bridgework restore Whitby smiles
With 28 to 32 teeth in an adult mouth, you might wonder why restoring or replacing one is so important. Each tooth has a specialized function for chewing, contributes to clear speech, and adds to the beauty of your smile. So, keeping a full set intact is the healthiest option. Whitby dentists, Dr. Roli Vig and Dr. Thakkar often recommend crowns and bridgework to accomplish this.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a hollow cap shaped like a natural tooth and made of a strong, durable material. It is fitted over a prepared tooth, encasing the entire visible portion. Dental crowns are used in these situations:
- Repair a tooth with an area of decay or breakage too large to accommodate a filling. The crown reinstates sufficient strength for chewing and safeguards the tooth from further damage.
- Hold pieces of a fractured tooth together.
- Protect a tooth that has had root canal therapy, which may cause it to become brittle.
- Aesthetic improvement in a badly darkened tooth, or one with unusual shape, size, or contours.
- Anchor a dental bridge in place.
Usually two appointments are involved in getting a crown. At the first, the tooth is prepared – damaged structure is removed, and the tooth is shaped. Impressions are taken, and color is selected. This information goes to a dental laboratory where the crown is fabricated. The dentist places an interim restoration, meanwhile. You return in a few weeks to have the temporary removed and the new crown placed.
How is bridgework different?
A crown can be a stand-alone restoration, but crowns are an essential component of bridgework. A dental bridge consists of one to three artificial teeth in a row. At each end is a crown. Teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared and crowns are cemented in place, holding the artificial teeth. The bridge looks natural and keeps existing teeth from becoming crooked. Our hygiene team shows you a necessary flossing technique to maintain a healthy mouth and help the bridge last many years.
For a broad range of restorative dentistry services including crowns and bridgework, call Trinity Family Dental in Whitby at 905-579-5551.
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