Crowns & Bridgework

Pediatric Crowns

Dental Crowns and Bridgework.

Dentistry is an art as well as a science; dental crowns offer a perfect example of this. Pediatric teeth are extremely small. When large amounts of decay is present, sometimes a crown is needed. We remove all the decay off of the tooth and then place the crown or “cap”. A crown completely covers a tooth above the gum line.

Crowns strengthen damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally again until it is time for the tooth to fall out on its own.

Crowning or Capping a Tooth

Dental Crowns - Step by Step.

For Pediatric teeth, crowning or capping a tooth will take only one visit. We prepare the tooth by removing all decay, sometimes cleaning out the pulp of the tooth, putting a special medicine inside, and then placing the crown or cap. Please have the patient eat soft foods for the rest of the day and avoid any sticky or chewy candy that could pull the crown off. In the rare case a crown does come off, SAVE IT and call our office for an appointment.

Creating a Bridge

Dental Bridgework - Step by Step.

Crowns can also be used to create a lifelike replacement for a missing tooth. This is done with bridgework, which spans the space of the missing tooth and requires at least three crowns. Two of those crowns will be placed over healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth; these healthy teeth are referred to as abutment teeth. The two crowned abutment teeth become supports for a third crown placed in between them; that third crown is referred to as a pontic. If more than one tooth is missing, more crowns will be needed to bridge the gap in between the abutment teeth.

The number of abutment teeth necessary to replace missing teeth is influenced by the number of missing teeth, the size and length of the abutment tooth roots, the amount of bone support each abutment tooth has, as well as where in the mouth the missing tooth is located. For example, if you have three missing teeth, four abutment teeth may be necessary, thereby creating a seven-tooth bridge. Engineering and designing of the bridge requires an understanding of how to replace teeth, as well as the biology of the supporting gum and bone tissue.

Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework

Crowns and bridgework require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the buildup of dental plaque. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at the dental office. Avoid using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example). If you have a grinding habit, wearing a nightguard would be a good idea to protect your teeth and your investment.

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