Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns

Normally, teeth can withstand tons of pressure. We literally exert several hundred pounds of pressure on our teeth each day. It is amazing that they hold up as well as they do. However, there are circumstances that can compromise the strength of a tooth. When that happens, in order to prevent additional damage from occurring, the tooth needs to be covered with a dental crown. Placing a crown over a weakened tooth gives stability and protects it from breaking.

Teeth can be weakened in a variety of ways. Large fillings due to dental decay leave a tooth with much less structure than a healthy tooth. While most fillings will hold up well, the remaining tooth structure is not as strong as it once was. Therefore, to decrease the possibility of further damage, a crown is usually recommended. Teeth that have had root canal therapy become brittle due to the loss of the nerve. Also, teeth that have been cracked or broken benefit from being protected with a dental crown.

A dental crown covers a tooth from the top to the gum line. The tooth is first prepared to accept the crown. Then, the crown is placed over the tooth and cemented in place with a special dental adhesive. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials.

A steel crown is usually placed on a child’s primary tooth to protect it from further damage until the permanent teeth erupt. They may also be used on permanent teeth as a temporary measure. Adult crowns are made from metal alloys, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic and resins. A consultation with your dentist will determine the best type of crown for your particular situation. 

Restore Cracked or Damaged Teeth

A tooth that has been cracked or damaged is vulnerable to sustaining more damage due to weakness. This is particularly true if the crack or damage has affected the nerve center or pulp of the tooth. In such an instance, root canal therapy may be needed to save the tooth. A crown adds protection and stability. Once the crown has been placed, the tooth regains its natural appearance, restoring your smile and confidence.

Dental Inlays and Onlays

Weakened teeth need the protection that a dental crown can provide. If you have a tooth that has been damaged or has a very large filling, contact Axiom Dentistry today for a consultation with our dentist. Find out more about the protective support a dental crown can provide, and keep your smile intact with a dental crown.

Dental Bridges

Are you satisfied with your smile, or has its beauty been compromised due to missing teeth? Those large gaps between teeth can be closed with dental bridges, allowing your smile to be gorgeous once again. Not only do these “windows” mar your smile, they can also cause a host of problems that can impact your oral health.

Dental bridges consist of an artificial tooth or teeth suspended between the teeth on either side of the space. These teeth are called abutment teeth, and they are fitted with crowns to which the artificial teeth are attached. The artificial teeth, or pontics, are made to look like your natural teeth, filling in the space to give your lips and cheeks the support they need. In addition, this dental treatment provides the chewing or biting surface that was lost with the missing tooth or teeth.

Why Choose a Dental Bridge

When a tooth is missing, over time, the neighboring teeth begin to shift out of alignment. They may begin to move into the space formerly occupied by the missing tooth, or they may tilt and lean into that space. As this happens, small gaps may appear between other teeth.

These little gaps can become food traps. Often, they are difficult to clean, particularly when they occur between back teeth. The areas you cannot easily clean lend themselves to dental decay as well as plaque buildup and eventual gingivitis.

In addition to the problem of the teeth shifting out of place, there is also your facial appearance to consider. Teeth provide structure and support for your face and lips. When teeth are missing, your face can look sunken, giving you a fatigued look and cause you to look older than your years. A dental bridge restores the structure needed to fill out those sunken areas and instantly causes you to look younger.