Crowns and Bridges in Coral Springs, Florida
When you have one or more missing or damaged teeth, the best treatment for you can include crowns or bridges. Looking at the difference between crowns and bridges will help you understand which treatment is right for your situation. You will also want to talk with your dentist about your options based on factors such as how many teeth you need fixing and what your insurance will cover. Here at Quesada Dental, we want to go over the basics of both crowns and bridges to give you an idea of what to expect during your first appointment.
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What is a Dental Crown?
You can think of dental crowns in the same way that you would hats. Just as a hat covers your head and protects it, a crown covers your tooth and keeps it safe. This is a common procedure done after a root canal or a serious dental filling. The dentist removes all of the damaged parts of your tooth and uses materials to fill the interior. This creates an internal structure that replaces your old tooth. The crown is a permanent piece attached to the surface of the tooth to hide the filling.
If you need a dental crown, the dentist will show you all of the available materials and help you choose one. A composite resin is an affordable option that the dentist can color to blend with your teeth. You might opt for a porcelain crown that lasts longer or one made from multiple materials. Dentists can also use crowns made from zirconia, metal or ceramic materials, too. The right material may depend on where you need the crown and how you use that tooth.
The dental crown procedure often involves multiple steps. Immediately after a root canal or filling, the dentist can install a temporary crown. Temporary crowns usually only last for a few weeks to a month. You need to make an appointment for a permanent crown later. A ¾ crown is one that covers only a small area of the tooth and is less expensive. You can also opt for a one-day crown that takes less time to install. No matter which type you choose, the dentist will make sure that the crown fits your mouth and matches your teeth. It can cost up to $1,500 for a basic crown.
You can think of dental crowns in the same way that you would hats. Just as a hat covers your head and protects it, a crown covers your tooth and keeps it safe. This is a common procedure done after a root canal or a serious dental filling. The dentist removes all of the damaged parts of your tooth and uses materials to fill the interior. This creates an internal structure that replaces your old tooth. The crown is a permanent piece attached to the surface of the tooth to hide the filling.
If you need a dental crown, the dentist will show you all of the available materials and help you choose one. A composite resin is an affordable option that the dentist can color to blend with your teeth. You might opt for a porcelain crown that lasts longer or one made from multiple materials. Dentists can also use crowns made from zirconia, metal or ceramic materials, too. The right material may depend on where you need the crown and how you use that tooth.
The dental crown procedure often involves multiple steps. Immediately after a root canal or filling, the dentist can install a temporary crown. Temporary crowns usually only last for a few weeks to a month. You need to make an appointment for a permanent crown later. A ¾ crown is one that covers only a small area of the tooth and is less expensive. You can also opt for a one-day crown that takes less time to install. No matter which type you choose, the dentist will make sure that the crown fits your mouth and matches your teeth. It can cost up to $1,500 for a basic crown.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a popular treatment for anyone missing multiple teeth. The name comes from the dental device that bridges the gap between two sets of healthy teeth. Let’s say that you had an accident and lost your front four top teeth. As you still have healthy canines, the dentist can create a bridge that replaces those missing teeth and attaches to your canines. If you need to replace several teeth that are not in a row, the dentist might suggest a partial denture instead.
There are four types of dental bridges that you can choose from today. The first is a Traditional Bridge that connects to the two teeth on either side of the bridge. A Cantilever Bridge requires just one natural tooth to hold it in place, which makes it a popular option for those with missing molars. You can also choose a Maryland bridge, which uses the addition of porcelain or metal substances that the dentist affixes to the back of your teeth. If your teeth are not healthy enough, the dentist can use an implant-supported bridge. This requires that you get one to two implants in addition to the bridge.
The dental bridge procedure often requires several appointments. You start with the first appointment, which is when the dentist goes over your options and shows you how a bridge can help. Other appointments let the dentist take impressions of your teeth and send molds to the lab to make your bridge. You can also look forward to a fitting to ensure that the custom bridge fits in your mouth. Implant bridges are among the most expensive and can cost up to $10,000 or more. A traditional bridge is a more affordable option as prices range from $2,000 to $5,000.
What is the Importance of Crowns and Bridges?
To see the importance of these procedures, just take a look at the benefits of crowns and bridges. The way that you feel about your smile can affect your life in dozens of ways. If you aren’t happy with the way that your smile looks, you will have a hard time laughing at jokes and smiling in pictures. It may cause others to have a bad impression of you and lead to use missing out on promotions at work. Missing and damaged teeth can even affect your personal life and change the way that you act around your family and friends.
Crowns are a great way to treat broken and decayed teeth. The dentist can perform a root canal to remove damaged pulp and tissue before applying the crown. As you typically get a temporary crown first, you have time to recover before getting your permanent crown. A bridge restores several missing teeth and gives you a smile that you want to show off. Both procedures can save you money, too. The more money that you spend today on restoring your teeth, the less money you need to spend on future dental procedures.
Aftercare for Crowns and Bridges
Here at Quesada Dental, we recommend that you look through our detailed crowns and bridges aftercare instructions before your final appointment. If you have any questions, make sure that you ask them before your procedure. As both procedures require the use of anesthesia or numbing agents, you will often find that you have a hard time chewing for the first few hours. Gum and taffy are among the worst things that you can chew. These sticky substances can loosen the crown or bridge. You’ll also want to avoid foods that are hard such as pretzels and crusty bread. Many of our patients find it helpful to stick to warm-temperature and soft foods for the first day.
We also recommend that you think about the long-term care of your new dental device. You will likely feel slightly uncomfortable, but this should go away within a few days. If you feel that there is something off about your bridge or crown after three days, call us to talk about your issues. You can begin brushing and flossing again within 24 hours as long as you exercise caution. It’s also important that you avoid anything that might damage the piece. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it with your natural teeth, don’t do it with your crown or bridge.
Turn to Quesada Dental
When you need dental crowns or bridges, call Quesada Dental to see how Dr. Pedro Quesada can help. He has years of experience in his native Cuba and hometown of Coral Springs. His years of experience help patients feel at home and comfortable during their appointments. You can turn to us for help narrowing down your choices for dental bridges or if you think that you need a crown. Call our Coral Springs office today to see how soon we can schedule your appointment for assistance with crowns and bridges.
