It is normal to have some anxiety at the thought of dental work. Understanding the reasoning behind your dental procedure and the steps that will be involved in completing the process can help you feel less apprehensive about getting work done.
At Lovett Dental Corpus Christi, we work with our patients every step of the way to help them understand the dental work process. In our dental practice, we will help you explore the difference between crowns and bridges, how your dentist will work to determine which of these permanent prosthetics makes the most sense for your smile, and the process that your dentist will take to prepare, create, and apply your dental crowns or bridges.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: What’s the Difference?
Your dentist will talk with you about whether dental bridges or crowns (or both) make the most sense for repairing your teeth. Here, we will take a look at the difference between the two options:
- Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are used to repair a single broken tooth or prevent further damage or breakage to a weak tooth. A dental crown sits on top of the existing tooth, protecting the remaining part of the tooth. A dental crown is permanent and cannot be removed (other than by a dental professional if there’s a problem with the crown).
- Dental Bridges: If you’re missing a tooth (or several teeth), a dental bridge might be suggested by your dentist. A bridge uses crowns on healthy and/ or implanted teeth to support a false tooth that “bridges” the gap where the tooth (or teeth) is missing. Like a crown, a bridge is permanent and cannot be removed other than by a dental professional.
Which Option Makes Sense for You?
All bridges have crowns, but not all crowns have bridges. If you’re not missing any teeth and need to repair or strengthen a broken or weakened tooth, a single crown will likely be a good fit for you. If you’re missing one or several teeth or need to have teeth extracted rather than repaired, your dentist may recommend a bridge.
The Dental Crown Process
When you go in to get dental services for a crown or a bridge, it’s unlikely that the process will be complete within one visit. First, your dentist will go through a consultation with you, talking you through getting dental crowns and bridges, and asking for your input in certain decisions (such as what type of material you’d like for your crown or bridge).
Then, your dentist will reduce the teeth that will receive a crown. This allows your tooth or teeth to hold the crown in place. Your dentist will take a mold of your reduced teeth, which will then go to a lab. In the meantime, your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown or bridge to fill the reduced and/ or missing tooth or teeth. After a few days or weeks, you’ll come back to the dentist to have your permanent crown or bridge placed on your teeth.
Your dentist will perform several tests, such as checking your bite, to ensure that your crown or bridge performs correctly. If you notice that your crown or bridge feels uncomfortable or painful, be sure to let your general dentist know right away so they can fix the issue with specialty dental services.
Time for a Crown or Bridge?
If you need dental work, we are proud to provide you with the comprehensive care you need. Reach out to Lovett Dental Corpus Christi at 361-986-1117 to chat with us about how we can help keep your smile healthy for years to come.