How to Choose Between a Dental Bridge and a Dental Crown
Something happened to your mouth and now you are either missing teeth or have damaged ones. Your dentist in Hagerstown may suggest either a dental crown or a dental bridge. But which should you choose? What does a crown do? What about a bridge?
You may be wondering what is better – a dental crown or a dental bridge and what the difference between the two of them are. We are here to help you. Read on to learn more.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is used to cover a cracked or damaged tooth. It can be made from a variety of materials and can be different colors. Most of the time, the material is either porcelain or ceramic. The dental technicians can make the crown look like a completely natural tooth. It will not look out of place in your mouth.
If you get a root canal, the dentist will then put the crown over the now-dead tooth to protect it. If the tooth is cracked or damaged, they will clean it out and then put the crown over it. This way, there will be no need to extract the tooth and require a dental implant. The crown is durable, though you want to be careful with certain foods.
The process is a pretty simple one – the dentist will take measurements and then make a temporary crown while the permanent one is created. After a few days, they will bond the permanent one on the tooth and it will stay there for many years. You will feel like you have your natural smile back.
One thing to think about though – a crown is also used during the dental implant process. It acts as the natural tooth at the end. So if you are missing a tooth, you may consider a dental implant.
Dental Bridges
This is a better choice for those who have gaps in their mouth due to lost teeth and don’t want to do a dental implant. It usually consists of two crowns and a false tooth called a pontic. This bridge will allow you to get your natural smile back. The dentist will have to shave some enamel off to allow the crown or crowns and the pontic to fit.
There are several different types of dental bridges, with one type only requiring one crown instead of two. The type that your dentist chooses will depend on what your situation is and where in your mouth the bridge will go. Like if you need a bridge in the back of your mouth, they will pick one that is known to be more durable so that you will be able to bite and not worry about it breaking.
Whichever decision you make, you also need to continue maintaining good oral health habits. That means brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and flossing once a day. It is also important to see your dentist twice a year for regular cleaning and also to have them inspect the crown or bridge to ensure that everything is still as it should be.
It is important to have any dental situation taken care of, though. Damaged teeth can get infected and cause you to lose a tooth or more if the infection is not taken care of. Bacteria can also enter your bloodstream and cause other health problems .If you do not get empty gaps filled, the rest of your teeth can shift to try to fill that space. In turn, that will make things like speaking and chewing more difficult.
Ultimately, you want to talk to a dental professional about whether you need a dental crown or a dental bridge or something else instead. Your dentist will weigh several factors and you also need to consider your budget. They will also do their best to work with your insurance and whatever budget you have.
The staff at Hagerstown Dentist & Dentures will work closely with you to determine what the best course of action for you is. They will examine your mouth thoroughly and then make their recommendation. After that, they will ensure that the whole process goes very smoothly. Make an appointment today to learn more: 301-200-9585.
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Hagerstown Dentist
Hagerstown Location
1303 Pennsylvania Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 200-9585
