Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns and Bridges in Charlotte, NC

Wondering if dental crowns or bridges are the answer to your dental problem? The Charlotte, NC dentist, Susan A. Hockaday is here to explain how you can benefit from dental crowns and bridges.

What are Dental Crowns And Bridges?

Dental crowns slide over teeth, strengthening them and concealing cosmetic issues. They're made of a variety of durable materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, nickel, gold, ceramic, and resin. Crowns must be tough because they're subjected to very strong forces when you bite.

Dental bridges consist of two crowns that anchor one or more false teeth, called pontics They're used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Crowning or Capping a Tooth
Crowning or capping a tooth will usually take two to three visits At the first visit , your tooth is prepared to receive its new crown. First, it is shaped to fit inside the new covering. This will involve some drilling to give the tooth a uniform shape. The tooth and the surrounding area will be numbed beforehand. If there is very little tooth structure left to begin with, the tooth may have to be built up with filling material, rather than filed down, to support the crown.

After the tooth is prepared, impressions of your teeth are taken, either digitally or with reliable, putty-like impression materials, and sent to the dental laboratory. There, the impressions will be used to make models of your teeth for the creation of a crown. The models will serve as guides to the highly skilled lab technicians, who will ensure that your new crown is designed to enhance your smile and function well within your bite.

Before you leave the office, a temporary crown will be attached to your tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. At the second visit , your permanent crown will be attached to your tooth with either a resin that hardens when exposed to a special light source, or a type of permanent cement.

Creating a Bridge


Dental Bridgework Charlotte NCCrowns can also be used to create a lifelike replacement for a missing tooth. This is done with bridgework , which spans the space of the missing tooth and requires at least three crowns. Two of those crowns will be placed over healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth; these healthy teeth are referred to as abutment teeth. The two crowned abutment teeth become supports for a third crown placed in between them; that third crown is referred to as a pontic. If more than one tooth is missing, more crowns will be needed to bridge the gap between the abutment teeth.

The number of abutment teeth necessary to replace missing teeth is influenced by the number of missing teeth, the size, and length of the abutment tooth roots, the amount of bone support each abutment tooth has, as well as where in the mouth the missing tooth is located. For example, if you have three missing teeth, four abutment teeth may be necessary, thereby creating a seven-tooth bridge. Engineering and designing of the bridge require an understanding of how to replace teeth, as well as the biology of the supporting gum and bone tissue.

Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework
Crowns and bridgework require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the buildup of dental plaque. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at the dental office. Avoid using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example). If you have a grinding habit, wearing a nightguard would be a good idea to protect your teeth and your investment.

Interested in learning more about dental crowns & bridges?
Call Dr. Hockaday in Charlotte, NC at (704) 624-8068 
today!

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