Do you have a broken tooth? If you have damaged or missing teeth, you might consider getting a dental crown or dental bridge. What are the differences between these restorative treatments?
A dental crown is placed on top of the entire visible portion of the tooth, from the chewing surface to the gum line. It’s like a cap, but for your tooth.
On the other hand, dental bridges use two crowns attached to the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth to secure an artificial tooth in place. It’s an effective way to replace missing teeth.
At Dental House, we offer restorative dental treatments to help you repair and replace decayed teeth. Restore your smile with a dental bridge and dental crowns in Saskatoon, SK.
Why Is a Dental Crown or Dental Bridge Needed?
If you’re dealing with tooth decay, you might not know what the best solution is; should you get a filling, an extraction, or a crown? You might choose to get a dental crown if:
- You’ve just had a root canal treatment. Once you’ve had a dental restoration procedure, the treated tooth often needs additional support afterward. A large filling is at a greater risk of cracking without a crown.
- You have a damaged or broken tooth. Dental crowns will cover any signs of visible damage, protect your tooth, and alleviate any sensitivity. Crowns are highly durable; you won’t need to worry about your tooth cracking or chipping.
- For cosmetic reasons. You might be looking at a crown just for the aesthetic benefits; dental crowns will conceal any chips or discolouration.
Alternatively, you might consider a dental bridge if you’re missing teeth. With this procedure, an artificial tooth is anchored in your mouth by two crowns on either side of it (which are attached to your natural teeth).
If the surrounding teeth are not strong enough to support a dental bridge, your Saskatoon dentist may recommend dental implants instead.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be made of several different materials; there are metal dental crowns, all ceramic dental crowns, porcelain dental crowns, and gold dental crowns. Based on your unique smile, our dentists can recommend dental crowns that will be the best fit for your mouth.
At Dental House, we customize your dental crowns to match the tone and colour of your natural teeth. This gives your crown a natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Dental crowns are typically applied over two visits. During your first visit, the dentist will use a local anaesthetic to alleviate any discomfort. The tooth is then cleaned to remove any damage or decay and it is shaped to fit a crown. A temporary crown will be installed while the permanent dental crown is created in a dental lab.
On your second visit, they can apply the permanent dental crown to the affected tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Want to make your dental crown last longer? Take note of these care tips:
- Practise proper dental care and oral health. We can’t stress the importance of regular brushing and flossing enough! A dental crown requires daily maintenance and good oral hygiene just like a natural tooth; otherwise, it will suffer from tooth decay.
- Avoid chewing hard foods or sticky foods. The chewing forces of your jaw should not be underestimated. You can do some serious damage if you eat foods that are too tough or sticky, like candy, ice, or tough meat. Take extra care with your temporary crown, which isn’t as strong as a permanent one.
- Book regular visits with the dentist. Is it time to book your next dental appointment? This one might be obvious, but it bears repeating: Routine dental visits are the best way to maintain proper oral health and protect dental crowns (and prevent you from needing more of them).
Book Your Appointment Today!
At Dental House, we take pride in protecting Saskatoon smiles for years to come. We can repair your damaged tooth so you feel confident about your smile again.
Our dental services in Saskatoon, SK, include dental crowns, root canal treatments, extractions, and more. To schedule your appointment for dental bridges or dental crowns in Saskatoon, contact our dental clinic today!