Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dallas, TX Dentist
Dental Crowns
Teeth that are broken, worn or weak due to large fillings and fractures usually require something stronger than a filling to withstand the intense forces that a tooth experiences during chewing. Recent technology has introduced all-porcelain crowns which are extremely strong and look nice because they have no metal to create a black or dark edge at the gum line. Porcelain used for laminate veneers on front teeth and all-porcelain crowns on back teeth allow Dr. Herwig to reconstruct teeth with functionally strong restorations that look naturally beautiful. Bridges to replace missing teeth can also be made out of these new porcelains.
During the first appointment, all old fillings, decay, and weak tooth structure are removed. Then, a new strong base is placed, and the final trimming of the tooth is done. We place a temporary crown to keep the tooth stable, confortable, clean and functional until the permanent crown is ready. Digital impression scans of the teeth are taken for the lab to build the new crown. The second appointment is about three weeks later, and the temporary crown is removed at that time. The new permanent crown is checked for fit, comfort, and appearance. Sometimes light numbing is necessary for comfort, even though there is no drilling. The crown is then cemented and ready for use. Some mild sensitivity may remain due to the original tooth damage and the necessary repair procedures on the tooth, but it will usually subside in time. Ibuprofen, aspirin or Tylenol offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory relief for these symptoms.
Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A tooth or teeth neighboring the missing tooth or teeth may be crowned, and used as anchoring teeth to support the replacement tooth. It is important to replace missing teeth to avoid shifting of surrounding teeth, which may lead to misaligned bite, TMJ and other problems.
Dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth in color and overall appearance. In the past they were made from mixtures of gold cast-metal, alloys with porcelain overlaid to ensure that they are strong and durable, but today metal-free advanced porcelain or zirconia materials are used that rival the strength of cast metal and are beautiful. With appropriate at home and professional care, your dental bridges should last for many years.
If you are considering replacing a tooth, call our dentist in Dallas to schedule a consultation. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, if left untreated, structural changes to your mouth and jaw may occur, making it difficult to eat and speak properly.