Fixing Dental Problems with Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are effective solutions for fixing various dental problems. If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist may recommend artificial replacements such as crowns and bridges. These tooth-replacement options do more than just replace missing teeth; they can also repair, prevent, or manage many other dental issues.

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What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Here is a clear explanation of what dental crowns and bridges are:

Dental Crown

Dental crowns (often called “caps”) are artificial coverings that fit over an existing tooth to restore its appearance, strengthen it, or protect it from further damage. Dentists can also attach crowns to dental implants to replace a missing tooth and restore the patient’s smile.

Crowns are made from different materials, including resin, porcelain, gold, and other metals. They can be custom-made to meet the patient’s needs. Depending on the material used, a crown can be strong, durable, and closely match the color and texture of your natural teeth.

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Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth between healthy neighboring teeth. A bridge typically consists of two crowns and one or more false teeth (pontics). These components rest on the gums and fill the space left by the missing tooth or teeth.  

The dentist cements the crowns onto dental implants or the natural teeth on each side of the gap to hold the bridge firmly in place. Like crowns, bridges are available in different materials. The best option for you will depend on your preferences, budget, which teeth are being replaced, and your dentist’s recommendations.

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Problems That Dental Crowns or Bridges Can Fix

Dental crowns and bridges are excellent solutions for many dental problems and can play a key role in maintaining oral health. Some of the issues that crowns or bridges can correct, prevent, or help manage include:

Treating Deep Cavities or Large, Weakened Fillings

If you have a large filling or deep decay (about half the width of the tooth or more), the remaining tooth structure is weaker and more prone to fracture. Simply placing another filling is usually only a temporary fix in this situation, as the tooth can crack or the cavity can worsen.  

A dental crown is often the better long-term solution. It helps resolve the problem, protects the tooth from further damage, and can prevent the issue from recurring for many years.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Crowns are often the only reliable way to restore teeth that are broken, cracked, severely chipped, or badly damaged and cannot be repaired with simple fillings, inlays, onlays, or veneers.  

If a damaged tooth is at risk of breaking apart, a crown will reinforce it, hold it together, and help prevent infection or further injury to the tooth.

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Repairing Enamel Damage

Brushing too aggressively and frequently consuming acidic foods or drinks can wear down your tooth enamel. When enamel is significantly eroded, you may experience tooth sensitivity and discoloration.  

Crowns and bridges can help correct this by rebuilding the tooth’s structure, size, and appearance, providing protection and a more natural look.

After Root Canal Treatment

If you have had a root canal (endodontic treatment), you will most likely need a crown to protect and strengthen the tooth and restore its normal function and structural integrity.  

A root canal procedure removes the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth, leaving it hollow and more brittle, which increases the risk of cracking or breaking. A crown helps reinforce the tooth and extend its lifespan.

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Alignment Issues and Cosmetic Concerns

Spaces and gaps between your teeth don’t just affect your smile; they can also change the structure of your jawbone and facial profile. Your teeth may shift out of place, leading to a misaligned bite. This can increase the risk of enamel wear, gum disease, tooth decay, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.  

With crowns or bridges, your dentist can improve the appearance of your teeth, help correct minor alignment and spacing issues, and restore your confidence in your smile.

Speech Problems

Your front teeth are essential for forming and pronouncing certain sounds and words. If missing teeth are affecting your normal speech, getting a crown or bridge to replace them can help restore proper tooth function and improve speech clarity.

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What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a small hole that forms in a tooth as a result of tooth decay. Cavities develop when plaque buildup on the tooth surface combines with sugars and starches in the foods you eat. This produces acids that can erode tooth enamel.  

If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Tooth decay can usually be prevented by brushing at least twice a day and cleaning between your teeth (with floss or interdental brushes) at least once a day.

What Is a Filling?

A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all the decayed portion of the tooth has been removed. Fillings generally do not hurt because your dentist numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic before the procedure.  

Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including composite resin, gold, and ceramic. If you need a filling, talk with your dentist about which type is best for you and your teeth.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is often caused by plaque and bacteria that are not removed and are left to progress. Other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding (bruxism), certain medications, and genetics.  

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and if detected early, it can be treated and reversed. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Advanced periodontal disease leads to loss of teeth and supporting bone and is generally irreversible.  

Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting your dentist every six months help prevent gingivitis and more severe forms of gum disease.