Crowns & Bridges
What is a crown?
Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth which have been broken or have been weakened by decay or by placing a very large filling. Root canal treated teeth may require a crown to protect the remaining tooth. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth.
We know you have questions.
Pearland Implant Center is the leading expert in crowns and bridges and we’re here to help you understand what crowns and bridges are, what the procedures involve, how they may benefit you, and the risks involved. For more information please ask any member of our team.
Dental Crown & Bridge Benefits
Dental crowns can benefit you in a variety of ways, including:
- Repair to your damaged tooth
- Replacing a missing tooth in conjunction with a dental implant
- Improved ability to drink and chew
- Protect the tooth from further damage
- Enhance appearance of your smile
- Decrease wear on other teeth
- Durability
What are crowns made of?
Crowns are made of a variety of materials and are used for different procedures.
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Porcelain bonded to precious metal crown – is made of a precious metal base and porcelain is then applied in layers over the base.
Zirconia– Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is a white, powdered metal oxide. Like other common dental crown materials, it is a ceramic. Zirconia is made from zirconium, a metal with similar properties to titanium.
Porcelain crowns/Veneers – Are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of the teeth to improve the appearance. They can change the color, shape, size or length of the teeth. Veneers are the most natural looking of all crowns.
Precious metal crowns – Gold and palladium crowns are very strong and hard wearing and are usually used at the back of the mouth and are less visible. These are most suitable for people who grind and clench their teeth.
How are crowns made & how long will they last?
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The tooth will be prepared to the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface of the tooth leaving a stump. The thickness of the crown will be the same as the amount of tooth that has been taken away. Once the tooth is shaped an impression of the prepared tooth will be taken and one of the opposite jaw and another to mark the way you bite. All the impressions will be sent to the technician to reproduce a crown that fits the tooth. We will select an appropriate color with you so that it matches your own teeth. The prepared tooth will have a temporary crown fitted until the new crown is ready. The treatment takes at least two visits.
You can expect a new crown to last 5-15 years with regular dental health checkups and good hygiene.
How are bridges made?
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A bridge is made by constructing crowns for the teeth on either side of the space and joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. The procedure is the same as the crown procedure. The result is very aesthetic and functional. Bridges are a less costly tooth replacement option than implants for missing teeth.
What are the risks?
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Choosing a highly-skilled dentist to perform the procedure is one way to minimize your risks. Even with the best treatment, complications occasionally occur. When your doctor is preparing your tooth for the crown, the tooth will be reshaped, and some healthy tissue may need to be removed. This can cause sensitivity, and sometimes can cause the nerve of the tooth to die, leading to the need for root canal treatment or extraction. In addition, if you do not care for your crown properly, you can experience the typical effects of tooth decay. The risks will be fully explored with you prior to treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Crowns & Bridges?
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If you are interested in crowns and bridges, our dentists will evaluate your medical history, current dental health, and the condition of your tooth enamel to determine if you are a good candidate. You should:
- Be in good oral and overall health, brush, floss and clean between your teeth every day
- Be committed to proper oral hygiene understand that the procedure requires permanent alteration of the tooth.
- Attend regularly for your check up and hygiene appointments.
With proper care, crowns can last many years and preserve compromised teeth.
Other Services
Dental Implants
A dental implant can closely be described as a “screw” that is placed in the jawbone. This “screw” replaces the root of a tooth once it is extracted and gives a solid base to attach an artificial tooth, or crown.
Dentures
A denture is a replacement for permanent teeth that have been lost. Dentures are not a fixed appliance, meaning that they can be taken out of the mouth without the help of a dental professional. These dentures will take the place of any lost teeth, but they will take some time to get used to.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the teeth at the furthest posterior (back) of the mouth. These are the teeth that typically appear in the mid to late teen years and erupt behind the first and second molar teeth.