Dental crowns and dental bridges are effective solutions to tooth loss.
Tooth loss is a predicament faced by many people. There are many reasons for the loss of teeth including tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, accidents, and trauma to the mouth. Missing teeth cause many problems, both functionally and aesthetically. It becomes hard to chew and eat food when suffering from tooth loss. Missing teeth also make it harder to speak. Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to shrink and facial muscles to sag, which alters the appearance and makes one look older.
Dental crowns and dental bridges are effective solutions to tooth loss and help restore the functions and appearance of the mouth.
A dental crown is a manufactured cap or cover that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. Dental crowns can even improve the appearance of the tooth and increase its strength. Dental crowns are used when the patient is missing only a single tooth.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth. Dental bridges are used when the patient has more than one missing tooth. A dental bridge consists of dental crowns on either side of the false teeth that are to be placed on the gap caused by missing teeth. The false teeth are called “pontics” while the anchoring teeth over which the dental crowns are to be placed are called “abutment” teeth.
There are certain conditions that a patient must have to get dental crowns or dental bridges. Dr. Sonal Deshpande has made a list of these conditions:
You have one or more missing teeth.
You have severely decayed teeth.
You have misaligned teeth or too closely spaced teeth.
You have enough bone density of the teeth surrounding the missing tooth.
If you fit any of the above criteria, book an appointment immediately.
During the dental examination, Dr. Sonal Deshpande will first conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and then she will suggest to you a suitable treatment for missing teeth. If the most suitable treatment is getting a dental crown or dental bridge, then Dr. Deshapande will guide you through the whole process, and your first appointment will be scheduled. Getting a dental crown or a dental bridge generally requires two appointments.
During your first appointment for dental crowns and dental bridges, Dr. Sonal Deshpande will take impressions or molds of your teeth to create your custom-made dental crowns and dental bridges. A mold will also be used to make a temporary dental crown or dental bridge which will be placed over your teeth while the custom dental crown or dental bridge is being made.
During the first appointment of the dental crown treatment, Dr. Deshpande will prepare the affected tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface of the tooth. Then she will place the temporary dental crown over the affected tooth with the help of temporary dental cement or dental glue. In your next appointment, she will remove the temporary dental crown and clean the tooth. Then Dr. Deshpande will place the permanent dental crown with permanent dental cement or dental glue, to ensure that the spacing and bite are accurate.
During the first appointment of the dental bridge treatment, Dr. Deshpande will prepare the abutment teeth (the teeth that will act as anchors for the dental crowns on either side of the false teeth) by shaping the surfaces of the teeth for the bridge to be placed. Then she will place the temporary dental bridge over the abutment teeth with the help of temporary dental cement or dental glue. The temporary dental bridge will protect the abutment teeth till the permanent dental bridge can be placed. During your second appointment of the dental bridge treatment, Dr. Deshpande will remove the temporary dental bridge and carefully place the permanent dental bridge with the help of permanent dental cement or dental glue.
Generally, the procedure to place dental bridges takes only two appointments, but in the case of an implant-supported dental bridge, the procedure may take months. That is because this type of dental bridge requires two surgeries (one to place the dental implants and one to place the dental bridge) and the mouth must be given time to heal between the surgeries. The procedure to get implant-supported dental bridges may be very lengthy, but they are one of the most stable dental bridges available.
Dental crown recovery and dental bridge recovery take a few days as the body has to recover from the inflammation of the procedure. Your mouth may feel tender immediately after the treatment and you may feel soreness or sensitivity in the gums. The soreness will most likely go away after a few days.
You will be allowed to resume day-to-day activities a day after the procedure is complete. If the soreness or sensitivity continues after a few weeks or is too severe, contact the dentist immediately.
At Brilliant Smiles, after your treatment is finished, you will be given instructions on how to take care of your dental crown or dental bridge and be encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your dental crown or dental bridge. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the longevity of your dental crown or dental bridge.
After the temporary dental crown or dental bridge has been placed, it is very important to be careful so that they do not get loose. It is especially important to be careful while flossing. Make sure to pull the floss from the side of the teeth and not the top, as there is a chance that pulling the floss from the top can cause the temporary dental crown or dental bridge to come loose.
After the permanent dental crown or dental bridge has been placed, you will be required to follow a careful routine for a few days. You will have to:
Avoid hard and crunchy foods. Eat soft foods.
Avoid hot and cold foods. Instead, eat foods that are lukewarm.
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a few days while brushing your teeth.
It is recommended to avoid eating anything for 1 hour after the dental crown or dental bridge has been placed, whether temporary or permanent.
The lifespan of dental crowns and dental bridges depends on a number of factors like:
The type of dental crown or dental bridge: The durability of the dental crown or dental bridge depends on the material used and the quality of the dental crown or dental bridge.
The skill of the dentist: The skill and experience of the dentist, and how the dentist prepared the affected teeth will also influence the lifespan of the dental crown or dental bridge.
The health of the affected area: If the affected teeth were relatively healthy and surrounded by healthy gums and tissue, then the dental crown or dental bridge will last longer.
Lifestyle of the patient: Good oral hygiene is a very effective way to increase the lifespan of the dental crown and dental bridge. By brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once a day, using mouthwash at least once a day, and regularly visiting your dentist, your dental crown or dental bridge can last a lifetime.
It is difficult to make a general estimate of the cost of dental crown treatment and the cost of dental bridge treatment because for both procedures the total cost depends on many different factors like:
The type of dental crown or dental bridge
The number of dental crowns to be made and the number of pontics to be made for the dental bridge
The skill of the dentist and the extent of prepwork required
The location where the dental crown or dental bridge should be placed
That is why Dr. Sonal Deshpande will determine the cost of the dental crown treatment or dental bridge treatment after carefully examining the affected area and creating the most suitable treatment plan for your individual case.
Most dental insurance companies fully cover dental crown costs and major portions of dental bridge costs. These are considered to be restorative treatments and so they are typically covered by most dental insurance policies.
Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield can find the best possible way for you to make payments for dental crowns or dental bridge treatment so that you can restore your smile without any worries.
Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. She practices comfortable, caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal oral health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to her technical proficiency, Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a careful listener and will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.
If you are looking for dentists in North Plainfield, NJ, look no further than Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield for all of your dentistry needs. Whether you want a simple dental cleaning or you have a dental emergency, we are here to help. Contact us now.
Request AppointmentCall usMonday : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday : 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday : 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday : 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday : 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Saturday : 8:00 am – 1:00 pm