crown_bridge.html

Chances are that you’re considering having a crown, a number of crowns or a permanent bridge
designed. To assure the most esthetic and functional results possible, your cooperation and
understanding are especially important to us. In this site, we’ll take you, step by step, through
crown and bridge treatment. We encourage you to ask questions along the way.

1. Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Losing a tooth can be of social and psychological concern. Teeth are lost for a number of reasons
including:

When a permanent tooth is lost, the neighboring teeth are affected. Because the support and
chewing forces are altered, the remaining teeth will begin to shift. The tooth above or below the
one that was lost will begin to move up and out of its socket. This accelerates periodontal (gum)
disease and causes further breakdown in the dental arch. If the missing tooth is not replaced, more
teeth will eventually be lost, due to the improper forces exerted during chewing.

2. What Is Crown And Bridge Treatment?
Crown and bridge treatment is a permanent method of replacing missing teeth. A crown is placed
on an individual tooth, (somewhat like a thimble over your finger) where there is no longer
sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling.

A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. The teeth on
either end of the span are crowned, and are referred to as abutments. The false teeth in a bridge
that join the abutments are referred to as pontics.

Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as precious metals (gold),
semiprecious metals, porcelain, or a combination of metal fused to porcelain. Both esthetics
(appearance) and function are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.

3. How Is Treatment Performed?
At the first appointment a thorough oral examination, evaluation of your dental history and
necessary x-rays are completed. The diagnosis is based on these three factors. Once it has been
determined that crown and bridge treatment is indicated, you will be set up with a series of
appointments. Note: It’s important that you keep all of these appointments. You see, your
treatment occurs in a planned sequence. Missing or postponing your appointment may cause
treatment delays, allowing further tooth movement before treatment can be completed.

4. What Will Happen?
The tooth or teeth to be treated are numbed with an anesthetic. Sometimes you can expect the
side of your face to feel numb as well. Next, during the preparation phase, your tooth or teeth to
be crowned are trimmed down. This allows sufficient space for the crown or bridge to fit.
After this preparation stage has been completed, an impression of that area of your mouth is
taken. Modern impression materials make it possible to take an extremely accurate record
(impression) and thus make the best possible restoration for your mouth.

At the following appointment, the crown or bridge is adjusted for proper fit, prior to permanent
placement. It is often necessary to fine trim and polish the new crown or bridge. Other factors we
consider include:

• Esthetics - color match and appearance
• Function - chewing and biting accuracy
• Tissue compatability - the contour of the prosthesis must allow the surrounding tissue to
conform to a natural, healthy position.


Figure 1A Fractured Tooth With Amalgam Restoration	Figure 1B Tooth Restored With Porcelain Crown

Figure 2A Old, Failing Crowns	Figure 2B Teeth Restored With New Porcelain Crowns

5. Replacing Missing Teeth:
• Helps restore and maintain the natural bite
• Prevents unnatural stress on other teeth
• Helps keep opposing teeth in their proper place
• Prevents shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth
• Helps prevent further dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease
• Maximizes your smile, speech and chewing function

6. A Final Word...
Throughout your crown and bridge treatment you may have questions or concerns not covered in
this site. We will make every effort to ensure your comfort during crown and bridge treatment.
And we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern is your comfort and
confidence. Our goal is to help preserve your smile for a lifetime!