Decoding Dental Terminology: All You Need to Know About Crowns, Bridges, and Implants
Why Understanding Restorative Dentistry Matters
Restorative dentistry plays an essential role in preserving your oral health when teeth are damaged, decayed, or missing. For many adults and families in the McMurray area, understanding the range of available treatments can make dental care decisions less overwhelming and more informed. Dental crowns, implants, and bridges are among the most common options used to restore both the function and appearance of teeth.
People seek restorative dental care for various reasons. In some cases, a tooth has been weakened by a large cavity or root canal. In others, injury or long-term wear may have affected the structure of one or more teeth. Tooth loss, whether from trauma, decay, or gum disease, can also lead patients to explore replacement options. Each situation is different, and knowing what each treatment involves can help patients have productive conversations with their dentist about the next steps.
In this guide, we'll break down what you need to know about dental crowns, dental bridges, and dental implants. You'll learn what each treatment is, when it might be used, how the procedure works, and what to expect in terms of care and longevity.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap-like covering that is placed over a weak or damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It acts as a protective cap that allows the tooth to function normally again, especially when a filling alone isn't sufficient.
Crowns are often recommended in the following situations:
- A tooth that is severely weakened by decay
- A large filling has compromised the structure of the tooth
- The tooth has undergone root canal therapy
- A dental implant needs a prosthetic crown
- A bridge needs support from adjacent teeth
- A tooth is discolored or misshapen and affects the appearance
Materials Used for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be created from a range of materials that each have advantages, depending on the tooth’s location and the patient's needs. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are a popular option for front teeth because they can mimic the natural translucency and color of enamel.
Metal crowns, including gold and alloys, are highly durable and typically used for molars, where strength is more important than appearance.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can provide a balance between strength and looks, while zirconia crowns are becoming increasingly popular because of their natural- looking appearance and durability.
How the Procedure Works
Getting a dental crown will typically involves two visits. During your first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth by removing decay and reshaping the tooth to make room for the crown. An impression will be taken to create a crown that fits precisely.
A temporary crown will protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being made. While wearing a temporary crown, be sure to avoid:
- Sticky or chewy foods
- Hard foods
- Flossing next to the crown. When flossing, slide the floss around the tooth rather than pulling it out.
- Chewing on the temporary crown. Avoid chewing on the temporary crown, and chew most foods on the opposite side of your mouth.
Once the permanent crown is finished, typically in one to two weeks, the dentist cements it into place. After the crown has been placed, patients can experience some pain or discomfort in the affected area. In many cases, this only lasts a few days and can be managed with ibuprofen. If you're unsure how to manage your discomfort or have pain that lasts for several weeks or is more severe, you should immediately contact your dentist.
In the first 24 hours with your new dental crown, it is typically recommended to avoid sticky foods to allow the crown to cement in place. After that, patients should be able to eat all types of foods with confidence.
It's important to remember that crowns can still be at risk for tooth decay. This is why it is critical to brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss carefully around each tooth twice a day.
Pros, Cons, and Longevity of Dental Crowns
Crowns offer several benefits. They strengthen weakened teeth, restore proper bite alignment, and improve the appearance of discolored or damaged teeth. However, they can be more expensive than simpler restorations and may occasionally become loose or need replacement.
With good care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, most crowns last between 10 and 15 years. Some can last even longer, depending on the material and location in the mouth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the space where teeth are absent by using the neighboring teeth for support. A bridge helps to maintain the alignment of your bite and prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
How a Dental Bridge Works
The most common type is the traditional bridge, which is made up of one or more artificial teeth, also called pontics, held in place by dental crowns on the teeth closest to the gap. These crowns are bonded to the healthy teeth, which act as anchors. Other styles include the cantilever bridge, which is supported on only one side, and the Maryland bridge, which uses a resin-bonded framework instead of crowns.
For patients who are missing several teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge may be the best solution. In that case, the bridge attaches to dental implants rather than natural teeth.
When Is a Bridge a Good Option?
A bridge may be recommended if a patient has one to three missing teeth in a row and desires a solution that restores function and appearance without extensive surgery.
Bridges utilize the strength of the adjacent natural teeth to anchor the restoration in place. For this reason, it's important that these supporting teeth are healthy and structurally sound. If they are already compromised by decay, gum disease, or large restorations, a different approach, such as implants or partial dentures, may be a better option.
A dental bridge is also a favorable choice for patients who prefer a non-surgical option. Unlike implants, bridges do not require incisions, bone integration, or extended healing periods. This can be appealing for individuals who are not comfortable with surgery, those who have medical conditions that affect healing, or those looking for a quicker restoration process.
In some cases, dental implants are not feasible due to bone loss that has occured in the jaw or health issues such as uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders, or medications that impair bone healing. In these situations, a bridge can offer a stable and long-lasting alternative that restores chewing ability and helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap.
Bridges may also be recommended for patients who want to avoid or delay the cost and complexity of implant placement, or for those whose jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant without undergoing bone grafting procedures. While not as long-lasting as implants, a well-maintained bridge can serve effectively for many years.
In short, a bridge may be the right choice if you:
- Are missing a small number of adjacent teeth
- Have strong, healthy teeth on either side of the gap
- Want a faster, less invasive solution
- Are not a candidate for implants due to health or bone density limitations
- Are looking for a cost-effective way to restore your smile
Your dentist can assess your oral health and help you determine if a bridge is the most appropriate option based on your goals, preferences, and the long-term outlook for your teeth and gums.
Procedure Overview for Dental Bridges
Like crowns, dental bridges are typically completed in two appointments. During your first visit, your dentist prepares the natural teeth on either side of the gap, known as the abutment teeth.
Preparing for the crown involves reshaping the teeth by removing part of the enamel to make space for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Once your teeth are prepared, the dentist takes impressions of your mouth to ensure that the final bridge fits precisely.
A temporary bridge is then put over the area to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. It also helps you adjust to the feel of a bridge in your mouth.
The second appointment usually takes place one to two weeks later. During this visit, the dentist removes your temporary bridge, checks the fit of the permanent one, makes any needed adjustments, and then cements it into place.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after bridge placement is typically minimal, but it’s normal to experience some mild sensitivity in the treated area for a few days. You may also need a short adjustment period to get used to the feeling of the new bridge while chewing or speaking.
Aftercare is essential to maintaining the lifespan and function of the bridge. Daily brushing and flossing remain essential, especially cleaning around the bridge and under the pontic (the artificial tooth that fills the gap). Your dentist may recommend tools, such as a special floss threader or an interdental brush, to help clean underneath the bridge where standard floss might not reach.
Avoid chewing ice or hard foods on the bridge, especially in the days following placement. Over time, regular dental checkups will allow your dentist to keep track of the health of the supporting teeth and ensure that the bridge remains stable and effective.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, a dental bridge can provide you with many years of reliable function and a natural-looking smile.
Advantages and Considerations
Bridges restore chewing and speaking ability, support facial structure, and help distribute bite force evenly. They are less invasive than implants and are usually completed more quickly. However, they do require modification of the surrounding healthy teeth, and the lifespan of the bridge depends on how well those anchor teeth remain intact.
With consistent oral care, dental bridges can last 5 to 15 years. Special flossing tools may be needed to clean underneath the pontic.
Author:
Natalie Severns, DMD
Upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Severns specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She then did an externship in London, England, at the prestigious Guy’s Hospital. At this hospital, she learned top therapies in Dentofacial Orthopedics to provide her patients with the best possible facial esthetics.
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