The Complete Guide to Crowns and Bridges

Barry LeJeune • May 23, 2022

If you're in need of some dental work, you may need a crown or a bridge. Find out everything you need to know in this complete guide to crowns and bridges.

Did you know that more than 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth? Fortunately, dental bridges can help with this problem.

Crowns and bridges from your dentist in Hampton, VA, are not just cosmetic but they can also be very helpful when it comes to restoring a person's dental function.

But what are crowns and bridges exactly? Keep reading and learn more about these two dental procedures and what makes them unique.

What Are Dental Crowns Exactly?

Dental crowns from your dentist in 23666 mainly have protective purposes. For example, suppose that you have a tooth that is damaged in some way. It might be chipped, cracked, decayed, or damaged in another way.

Whatever the case, your dentist, Hampton, VA, will likely tell you that getting a crown is a good way to protect that tooth. Of course, you could have the tooth removed, but tooth extraction often does more harm than good. Getting a crown is not as scary of a procedure as you might expect.

A crown is nothing more than a cap that goes over your damaged tooth. It will look just like a real tooth and it will match the color of your surrounding teeth. More than that, it will restore your dental function.

It might be too uncomfortable to chew or talk with your damaged tooth, but once that tooth is covered with a crown, you shouldn't have those problems anymore. While the procedure for a dental crown is not quite as simple as teeth whitening, Hampton, VA, you will still find that the procedure should still go quite smoothly.

The Details

Before you get your crown, your dentist will need to sand down the damaged tooth. This shouldn't be painful because your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. The dentist will sand down the tooth until it is nothing more than a nub.

This is important because the tooth needs to be small enough for the crown to cover it. When it comes to general dentistry, Hampton, VA, you will find that the tooth being treated will feel much more comfortable once it's covered with a crown. This is not to mention that your smile will look much better than before.

In some cases, an emergency dentist in Hampton, VA, might be able to help you with crowns, but it is usually a task for a general dentist. But how do dental crowns compare with dental bridges?

What Are Dental Bridges Exactly?

You don't necessarily need dentures, Hampton, VA, if you've lost a few teeth. You only need dentures if you've lost most of your teeth. If you've only lost some, all you need is a dental bridge.

The difference between bridges and crowns is that bridges are meant to replace teeth while crowns are only supposed to cover teeth. To get a crown, you will need to have a tooth to anchor it with. Otherwise, it won't be possible to get a crown at all.

As mentioned before, a crown is only a cap for a damaged tooth. On the other hand, a bridge takes the place of missing teeth to restore your dental function and also improve your smile. But don't get bridges confused with dental implants, Hampton, VA.

Understanding Dental Bridges

Dental implants are completely different and much more invasive. That's because your dentist will need to screw dental implants into your jaw bone. This makes them very sturdy but not everyone is up for such an invasive dental procedure.

This is not to mention that dental implants take several months until they're complete. On the other hand, you can get a dental bridge in a relatively short time. The thing about bridges is that they require crowns to act as an anchor, otherwise, they won't be able to fit inside your mouth.

The crowns in question can either cover your real teeth or your dentist may instead attach them to dental implants. It will depend on your individual dental situation. Whatever the case, a bridge will consist of several false teeth to fill the gap in your mouth.

A bridge will make it much easier for you to chew food and speak. And, of course, your smile will look much more complete.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing between dental crowns and bridges, the choice will largely depend on the state of your dental health. If you are not missing any teeth, you will not need a dental bridge. Instead, you will only need a crown or two to protect whatever damaged teeth you may have.

Of course, if your teeth are in relatively good condition, you may not even need a crown at all. On the other hand, if you require a tooth extraction or already have several teeth that are missing, a dental bridge may be a much better option.

But if you are missing most of your teeth, you may instead need a set of dentures. Your dentist will help you understand what kind of dental treatment you need and what kind of dental treatment might benefit you the most.

What You Need to Know about Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are both ideal for improving a person's functional and cosmetic dental health. Crowns need to cover an existing tooth while bridges are designed to replace missing teeth.

To learn more about dental procedures, don't hesitate to contact us here.

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