Damaging a tooth can be very frustrating and often painful. It is crucial that you make a dental appointment right away so that the tooth can be diagnosed and a treatment plan can be put into place. There are a variety of restoration solutions available that you and your dentist can consider. Two options that are used often are dental crowns and bridges. There are several differences between the two that you should be aware of so that you can make the best choice.
Is One Option Better Than The Other?
Ideally, a crown is not better than a bridge and vice versa. They are simply used to restore teeth in different ways. A dental crown is used when there is only a single damaged tooth. A bridge is used to restore more than one tooth. Crowns are place on top of the damaged tooth. Dental bridges are placed onto the two teeth that are on the outside of the damaged tooth or teeth with the crowns in the center to replace those that are missing. The dentist will assess your situation and provide you with his or her recommendation as to what you will need.
What Can Dental Crowns Repair?
While dental bridges are a fix for teeth that are missing, crowns can be used to repair a variety of issues. They can restore a tooth that is cracked or broken, to cover an implant screw, or to replace a very large filling. It can also be used to make a root canal stronger.
Are There Benefits To Getting A Dental Crown?
There are a variety of benefits to getting a dental crown. The primary advantage of a crown is to improve overall oral health. A broken or damaged tooth can eventually break off completely and require an extraction. It can also get infected and cause harm to your other teeth. Getting a crown also makes your smile very attractive.
Do Dental Crowns Last Indefinitely?
How long your dental crown lasts will highly depend on how well you care for it. It is necessary to brush and floss your teeth just like always. You should also keep your regular dental cleaning appointments. In addition, you will need to be careful on what you eat, especially hard candy or other hard foods. These things can cause damage to your crown. However, if you are very careful, a crown can last for many years, even decades.
