1. How are crowns and bridges made?

At A Downtown Dental Group our dental crowns are most often made of gold or porcelain. Porcelain crowns usually are built on a metal base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth. We will choose a porcelain that matches the color of your natural teeth.

Porcelain crowns usually are so carefully matched in color, they cannot be distinguished from your natural teeth. Many people choose porcelain crowns for their cosmetic appearance and the confidence it gives them.

New materials are now available that allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns in some cases. They have a beautiful life-like appearance and short-term studies support their success, with long-term trials ongoing.

Crowns also can be made of all gold. Some people prefer not to use gold because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. At the same time, if the crown is on a back molar, some people feel the cosmetic issue is not a big one. At A Downtown Dental Group we will discuss the types of materials available if we recommend a crown or a bridge.


2. How long does bridges last?

Bridges and crowns are designed to last for years and years, and hopefully a lifetime but: An Ounce of Prevention Is Still the Rule!

Once your bridge or crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease.

Regular dental check ups are important to protect your investment.


3. How do bridges work?

The bridge serves two important functions. First, it restores the appearance of your teeth and your face. If your tooth is severely decayed or cracked, the dentist will need to restore it prior to preparing a bridge. Teeth also support the muscles in our faces, so anything less than a full tooth may affect the way you look.

Second, a bridge will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that other teeth don t shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting and chewing.

The crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up and splint the tooth.

The chewing of the tooth can be improved because it can be reshaped to match more efficiently with the opposing teeth. A bridge or a crown can improve cosmetics by the use of modern ceramic processes that produce translucency and color that is more natural than has ever been possible.


4. Is the procedure painful?

Your dentist will do everything to keep you as comfortable as possible. With modern dental techniques there should be no pain or discomfort.


5. How do I take care of my dental crowns and bridges?

Once your crown is in place, make sure the area is brushed well and that you floss below the gum line. While the crown protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease.

Regular brushing and flossing as you would your natural teeth will ensure that your crown will be in place for years to come!


6. If you have a root canal, do you need a crown?

Usually when root canal treatment is needed it means that there is significant decay or damage to a tooth.

There comes a point where the damage to the tooth has removed too much structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavier use and meet more elaborate strength and cosmetic requirements.

The crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up and splint the tooth. So yes, a crown is often needed after a root canal treatment.