Many people have missing teeth due to injury, disease, and decay. Regardless of the reason you’re missing teeth, modern restorative dentistry can give you back your smile. Ignoring gaps in your teeth for too long can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place. The jawbone around the affected site will also start to deteriorate.
Restoring your tooth doesn’t just fulfill aesthetic purposes. It also helps improve your oral health. Dental crowns and bridges are two excellent options for restoring missing teeth we offer at Dental Care of Rosewood. We offer several solutions to correct a wide range of oral health problems. Schedule a consultation at our office in Columbia, SC.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns are individual caps that fit over the surface of a damaged tooth. Dentists use them to provide additional strength and support for a tooth that needs structural support.
Dental bridges are a dental restoration alternative featuring two crowns and a fake tooth in the middle. The fake tooth fills the gap left by a missing tooth, while two crowns act as anchors for both.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: Which Should You Choose?
Generally, your dentist will determine if you need dental crowns or if you need full dental bridges after a consultation. However, we can provide some guidance you can work with to make your decision easier.
You may need a dental crown if you have a broken, cracked, or damaged tooth. You may also need a dental crown if you have a tooth with significant areas of decay or one where the previous filling is no longer effective. If you undergo a root canal treatment, the dentist may install dental crowns to give additional support to the tooth.
You may need a dental bridge if you’re missing a single tooth in between two healthy teeth. Dental bridges can help improve the appearance of your smile, ensure you have a proper bite, and also keep the surrounding teeth from moving.
The Crowns and Bridges Installation Process
You need two appointments to install crowns and bridges. During the first appointment, the dentist will focus on preparing the teeth for the procedure and taking dental impressions. The dental laboratory will use the impression mold to make your dental crown or bridge and the accompanying replacement teeth.
During the teeth preparation, the dentist may administer local anesthesia to remove decayed tissue and reshape the existing tissue. After preparing the teeth, they’ll install a temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth while the permanent restoration is in process.
You’ll return for your second appointment when the permanent restoration is ready. During the appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary crowns and bridges, clean the teeth, and install the permanent restoration.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Are you considering installing dental crowns and bridges? Call Dental Care of Rosewood at 803-810-1416 to schedule a consultation with our doctor in Columbia, SC. We are experts at providing custom solutions that can significantly transform your oral health.