Crown And Bridge

You my need a Crown to restore Function and aesthetics of a Tooth which had Trauma , tooth Decay ,large unretentive filling , compromised tooth structure, root canal treatment age related wear and tear and the most famous of them all Tooth crack.
In case of tooth crack , your Dentist will asses the crack and its extent and the cause of the crack as that must be treated so it doesn’t happen to other neighboring teeth also your dentist will determine restorability of the tooth and list treatment options as well and explain each Thoroughly.

A Dental Bridge replaces one or more missing teeth, it consists of an artificial tooth anchored to the adjacent natural teeth if the tooth is lost through an accident or was badly decayed, or had a crack extending to the root and a Crown couldn’t be provided and needs extraction your dentist will asses the situation and list your treatment options and the dental bridge is one of the solutions to bridge the Gap benefits of the bridge is
1 -improving appearance and speech
2-preventing occlusal and chewing stress that may cause damage to other teeth
3-prevent the teeth around the Gap from moving into the Gap and shifting Causing malalignment and malocclusion.
4- improving chewing ability

There are Different Materials for the Crown all are well Tolerated by the Gum and cheek,
Metal crown can be Gold , nickel or chrome, Metal crowns are strong and rarely chip or break, they last the longest in terms of wear down and require a small part of the tooth to be removed, they also may withstand biting and chewing forces, its colour is the main drawback, usually its an excellent choice for out of sight molars.

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be matched to the color of the teeth beside them. They have a more natural tooth color. However, sometimes the metal under the crown’s porcelain cap shows through as a dark line. Other drawbacks are that the crown’s porcelain portion can chip or break off and there is more wearing down of the teeth opposite them in the mouth.  ( when The top and bottom tooth  come into contact while you chew .) These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.
• All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide the best natural color match than any other crown type. They are also a good choice for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. They also may wear down the teeth opposite them in the mouth a little more than metal or resin crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for front teeth.
• Pressed ceramic crowns have a hard inner core. They replace the metal liner that is used in the all-ceramic crown-making process. Pressed ceramic crowns are capped with porcelain, which provides the best natural color match. They are also more long-lasting than an all-porcelain crown.

There are different Types of Bridges and  your Dentist will discuss it through with you to determine the best option for you

1. Traditional Dental Bridges

   Traditional bridges are the most popular kind of bridge. These bridges consist of one or more pontics (fake teeth) and are held in place by dental crowns. These dental crowns are also called abutments, and they are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth.
   Traditional bridges can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. Bridges are even strong enough to replace molars. The downside of traditional bridges is that your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent teeth by removing their enamel to make room for the crowns that will be cemented on top. Since enamel doesn’t grow back, these teeth will always need to be protected with crowns, even if you later choose a different type of bridge.

2. Cantilever Bridges

   
   Cantilever bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. They are very similar to traditional bridges, but the pontic is supported by an abutment on only one side, rather than on both sides. So if there’s only one natural tooth next to the gap, a bridge can still be secured.
   Like traditional bridges, your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent tooth to support the bridge by removing its enamel. Because these restorations are only supported by one tooth it is not recommended in high force area like the posterior teeth as it may cause damage to the supporting tooth.

3. Maryland Bridges

   
   Maryland bridges are considered a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. These bridges consist of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework is bonded onto the backs of the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Since this type of bridge isn’t held in place by crowns, the adjacent teeth don’t need to be filed down or loose their enamel
   While Maryland bridges are more conservative than traditional bridges, they do have their downsides. The strength of the bridge is limited by the strength of the resin that holds it in place, so it may not stay in place in areas of the mouth where the teeth are subjected to a lot of biting force, like the molars. The framework may also get in the way of your gums or your bite.

4.  Implant-Supported Bridges

   
   Implant-supported bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. They can be used when you have more than one tooth missing. Instead of being supported by crowns or frameworks, these bridges are supported by dental implants. Usually, one implant is placed for every missing tooth, and this series of implants holds the bridge in place. However, the bridge may consist of a pontic suspended between two implant-supported crowns if placing one implant for every lost tooth isn’t possible.
   Because these bridges are secured by implants, they feel very secure and comfortable, just like the natural teeth they replace. And just like your natural teeth, a quality toothbrush is needed to keep your mouth healthy.
   One downside is that two surgeries are required to place the implants – the first to place the implants and the second to place the bridge – so expect to wait at least five months to get your finished bridge.
   Your dentist can close the gaps in your smile with dental bridges. ,With so many types of dental bridges available, you can feel confident that your dentist has an appropriate solution for your missing teeth.

At the first visit, the tooth to receive the crown is examined and prepared. X-rays are taken of the tooth and bone around it. If decay is found or there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may need to be done first. (Pulp is the soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.)
To make room for the crown, the tooth to receive it is filed down across the top and sides. The amount of tooth filed away depends on the type of crown selected. All-metal crowns are thinner and don’t need as much tooth structure removed compared with all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If too much tooth is missing, due to damage or decay, a filling material is used to “build up” enough tooth structure for the crown to cover.
After reshaping the tooth, a paste or putty is used to make a copy (also called impression) of the tooth that will be receiving the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown are also made. This is done to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite.
The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory makes the crowns and usually returns them to the dentist’s office in 2 to 3 weeks. During this first office visit your dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
At the second visit, the permanent crown is placed., the temporary crown is removed and the fit and color of the permanent crown is checked. If everything is okay, a local anesthetic (“numbing” drug) is sometimes used to numb the tooth and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.

Like any Medical or dental procedure , crown and bridge restoration may have some complications on the long run as it is in a high demand mechanical environment under continuous loading

• Discomfort or sensitivity. A newly crowned tooth may be sensitive immediately after the procedure as the anesthesia begins to wear off. If the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it, there may be some heat and cold sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend that you brush your teeth with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Pain or sensitivity that occurs when you bite down usually means that the crown is too high on the tooth. If this is the case, call your dentist can easily fix this problem.

• Chipped crown. Crowns made of all porcelain can sometimes chip. Small chips can be repaired and the crown could remain in the mouth. The crown may need to be replaced if the chip is large or when there are many chips.

• Loose crown. Sometimes the cement washes out from under the crown. Not only does this allow the crown to become loose, it allows bacteria to leak in and cause decay to the tooth that remains. If your crown feels loose, contact your dentist’s office immediately .

• Dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line. A dark line next to the gum line of your crowned tooth is normal, particularly if you have a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. This dark line is simply the metal of the crown showing through.

On average, dental crowns may last between 5 to 10 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of “wear and tear” the crown is exposed to as it is in a Highly dynamic area exposed to continues forces , and also how well oral hygiene practices are followed, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).