Crowns and Bridges

Crowns are done in cases of:

• A tooth is generally broken down and fillings won't solve the problem. If a tooth is cracked, a crown holds the tooth together to seal the cracks so the damage doesn't get worse.
• To support large fillings.
• Protect weak teeth from fracturing,
  Restore fractured teeth, cover badly shaped or discolored teeth or protect a root-canal filled tooth with compromised strength.

What are the various types of crowns available?

Depending on the type of material used to make a crown they can be classified as

• Metal crowns made out of base metal alloys
• Porcelain fused to metal ie pfm – have inner coping of metal and are covered by layer of tooth coloured ceramic.
• All ceramics made fully of ceramic, they esthetically simulate natural tooth the best

Will it look natural?

Yes. Our main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. That is why we take an impression. A number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these factors alone can affect your appearance. If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, it is essential that you convey the same to us before we begin the in your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.

What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

There is no difference between a cap and a crown.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns should last usually upto 5-8 years. However, with good oral hygiene and regular recall visits most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice, biting on extremely hard food stuff or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth, thereby "bridging" the space between two teeth. Bridges are cemented into place on the surrounding teeth on either side of the space or span (abutment teeth). Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth by the patient.

A bridge is a device that typically consists of three units- a false tooth (a pontic) fused between two crowns that are cemented onto the supporting teeth.

How long will it take till I get my bridge?

For a traditional fixed bridge, the first appointment consists of the dentist reducing the adjacent abutment teeth that will act as anchors. Impressions are made, from which a metal framework, including the pontic, is created. By the second appointment, the final bridge is fitted over the teeth. The total treatment time is usually around one week, depending on the type of bridge. However, the treatment time may be longer due to other factors such as condition & treatment of the supporting teeth.

How do I care for a bridge?

To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future decay and supporting-tissue breakdown, please use the following home care tips:

What things should I remember after I receive my new bridge?

• Avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
• Avoid teeth grinding in night, if you are aware of this nocturnal habit of yours please inform us. 
• Visit us regularly for your recall/ follow-up visits, or the same bacterial assault which causes decay and makes dental care necessary may cause the restorations to fail.
• Maintain & follow oral hygiene protocol prescribed by us-brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth using Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.
• (1)Brush after eating and before bedtime around the bridge with a soft toothbrush, especially where the crown or bridge meets the gum line (margin). At this margin area harmful bacteria can be harbored to cause decay and gum disease. An electric toothbrush is highly recommended over manual to help you keep this area clean
• (2)Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush, floss threader or automatic flosser to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. On a bridge you must clean “under” as well as around the bridge. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque your teeth and gums can become infected.
• (3)Water Pik™ can be used with an antibacterial, alcohol free mouthwash at the gum line and under the bridge to keep this area healthy
• (4)Fluoride rinse is to be used before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes.
  (5)Use a proxy brush (interdental brush) to clean around the area after each meal
• Adjustment period: It is normal for the bridge to feel a little out of place for a few days after cementing. This is because the teeth around this area are adjusting to new forces both in between the teeth and upon biting.
• Chewing: Do not chew hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented — to attain optimum strength; the cement must mature for approximately 24 hours Also avoid eating or chewing on hard objects, food or ice Limit snacks, if high in sugar brush this area or swish with water. Avoid eating sticky foods since it weakens the cement by exherting opposing force on it. Eventually it may lead to restoration failure.
• Sensitivity: Do not worry about mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few weeks. Infrequently, sensitivity last longer than six weeks.
• Follow-up: Inadequate return for examination is the most significant reason for prostheses failure. Visit us at regular six-month examination periods. Often problems that are developing around the restorations can be found at an early stage where they can be corrected easily and will be more affordable. Waiting for a longer time may require re-doing the entire restoration.
• Problems: Call us immediately if any one of these conditions occurs: If the tooth is the first tooth to hit when you bite down after a couple of days, contact us for an adjustment; a feeling of movement or looseness in the restoration; sensitivity to sweet foods; a peculiar taste from the restoration site; breakage of a piece of material from the restoration or sensitivity to pressure.