Dental Crowns and Bridges
Restoring Smiles and Improving Your Oral Health
A damaged or missing tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. It may make it uncomfortable to chew, change the way your teeth come together or place additional stress on the teeth around it. Dental crowns and bridges are two restorative options that can help protect damaged teeth or replace teeth that have been lost.
At Michigan City Family Dentistry, we will examine your teeth, talk with you about any problems you are experiencing and explain which treatment options may be appropriate. A crown may be recommended when a tooth needs additional protection or restoration, while a bridge may be an option when one or more teeth are missing.
Because every situation is different, we will consider the health of your teeth and gums, the location of the affected tooth and your overall dental needs before recommending treatment. We want you to understand why a procedure is being recommended and what you can expect before moving forward.
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Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible portion of a tooth. It can restore the tooth's shape, strength and function while helping protect the remaining natural tooth structure.
A crown may be recommended when a tooth has been significantly weakened by decay, has cracked or broken, contains a large filling, or has undergone root canal treatment. Crowns may also be used as part of dental implant or bridge treatment.
When appearance is important, the color and shape of the crown can be selected to blend naturally with the surrounding teeth. The material recommended for your crown will depend on where the tooth is located, the forces placed on it when you bite and chew, and other individual considerations.
When Might I Need a Dental Crown?
You may be a candidate for a crown if you have:
- A cracked, broken or severely worn tooth
- A tooth with a large filling and limited remaining structure
- Significant tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling alone
- A tooth that has been treated with a root canal
- A dental implant that needs to be restored
- A tooth being used to support a dental bridge
Not every damaged tooth requires a crown. We will evaluate the tooth and explain the treatment options available to you.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by placing a replacement tooth, or teeth, in the open space. A traditional bridge is typically supported by crowns placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Replacing a missing tooth can help restore your ability to bite and chew more comfortably while also filling the visible space in your smile. It can also help prevent neighboring teeth from gradually shifting into the open area.
A bridge is not necessarily the right option for every missing tooth. Depending on your oral health and individual circumstances, other options may include a dental implant or removable partial denture. We can explain the differences so you understand which choices may be appropriate for you.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
Even if a missing tooth is not easily visible, leaving an open space can affect your mouth over time. Neighboring teeth may begin to move, your bite can change and chewing may become more difficult on that side of your mouth.
- Replacing a missing tooth may help:
- Restore your ability to bite and chew
- Fill an unwanted gap in your smile
- Support proper alignment of neighboring teeth
- Distribute biting forces more evenly
- Restore function without using a removable replacement tooth
What to Expect When Getting a Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges are custom-made for your mouth, so treatment typically involves preparing the affected teeth and taking the measurements or impressions needed to create your restoration.
For a crown, the tooth is prepared so the restoration can fit securely over it. For a traditional bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared for crowns that will hold the replacement tooth in place. We will explain each step before treatment begins and work to keep you comfortable throughout your appointment.
Once your final restoration is ready, we will check its fit, appearance and the way your teeth come together before it is secured in place. We will also explain how to care for your new crown or bridge at home.
Caring for Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges still require consistent oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and keeping regular dental appointments can help protect both the restoration and the natural teeth supporting it.
Cleaning underneath a bridge is particularly important because food and plaque can collect around the replacement tooth and supporting teeth. Our dental team can show you how to clean around your restoration and recommend tools that may make the process easier.
Although dental restorations are designed for everyday use, they can wear or become damaged over time. If a crown or bridge feels loose, your bite suddenly feels different or you experience discomfort around the restoration, call our office so we can evaluate it.
Crown, Bridge or Dental Implant?
There may be more than one way to restore a damaged or missing tooth. A crown restores an existing tooth, while a bridge replaces a missing tooth using neighboring teeth for support. A dental implant replaces a missing tooth using an implant placed in the jaw.
Which option is appropriate depends on several factors, including the condition of your remaining teeth, your gum and bone health, the location of the missing tooth and your individual treatment goals.
If you are unsure which type of restoration you need, you do not have to decide before your appointment. We will evaluate your smile and explain the advantages and considerations of the options available to you.
Do You Have a Damaged or Missing Tooth?
If you have a broken or damaged tooth, an older crown or bridge that is causing problems, or a missing tooth you would like to replace, we can help you understand your options. Call (219) 871-7171 to schedule an appointment with Michigan City Family Dentistry.
