If you’re a dental patient that is missing one or more teeth, it is a comforting sentiment to know that there are many great options for tooth replacement offered by us at Wheatland Dental in Saskatoon, SK. Missing teeth, while unsightly, can cause a lot of problems in the future of your teeth. For this reason, exactly, it is so important to visit your dentist and discuss tooth replacement options as soon as possible. Two of our most common restorative dental procedures are dental crowns and dental bridges. In the following article, we will discuss these two procedures, that way you can choose if one is better for you over the other.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are pretty straightforward; they’re typically made from porcelain, and colored and shaped to match your natural and surrounding teeth. The damaged tooth is shaped down in order for the crown to fit in the mouth without obstructing mouth closure. After the tooth is filed down, an impression of your mouth is taken in order for a custom crown to be made. Once the custom crown has finished being made it is then cemented and placed over the prepared to and can cover the entire visible portion of the dental site.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Dental Crown?
The ideal candidate for a dental crown is a patient that is at their wit’s end to save a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. When it can’t be treated by a filling, inlay, or onlay, or if there aren’t sufficient amounts of healthy tooth structure, then extraction may be necessary.
Dental Bridges
Another common and popular restorative treatment is dental bridges. A dental bridge consists of a false tooth or consecutive teeth where a gap is found. These gaps are replaced with dental attachments that are placed in the adjacent teeth at either end of the gap. This procedure also involves filing down of the adjacent teeth, so that a crown can be fitted on each one in order to hold a dental bridge in place. Bridges are custom made to achieve a seamless finish to your new smile.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
The ideal candidate for a dental bridge has more than one tooth missing and has healthy teeth at either end of the gap.
Dental crowns and bridges, when used in association with dental implants as alternative restorative treatments, can be great solutions for those that are less than satisfied with their current smile. If you would like to learn more about dental crowns, bridges, and implants we ask you to make a consultation appointment with us at our office in Saskatoon SK. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you in your journey to a restored and beautiful smile.