Dental Crown and Bridges is an Excellent Way to Save Viable Teeth

Saving Natural Teeth

When the dentist tells you that your tooth is damaged but still functional, it’s necessary to save that tooth. The doctor will likely tell you that you need a crown over the damaged tooth. In most instances, the dentist may recommend a root canal before applying the crown.

The only other option is to have the tooth extracted. Extractions leave empty spots in the gum line, making it difficult to chew food thoroughly. Dr. Jennifer Nation at Brookside Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Beaumont can save your chewing ability with dental crowns and bridges.

Dr. Nation will explain how dental crowns and bridges can help you restore damaged teeth. The following explanation can understand the process.

Dental Crowns

Think of a dental crown as a cap fitting over a damaged tooth. There are two parts of a tooth; the root and the crown. The gum and the bone cover the root of any tooth while the crown is visible in the mouth. Most people cannot tell the difference between your natural tooth and a crown covering the tooth beside it. It can also restore a tooth’s function. 

Crowns are helpful when,

• Your tooth is severely discolored
• Chipped
• The gum line is uneven
• The tooth is fractured
• The tooth has an extra-large filling
• The tooth has deteriorated cusps
• There is excessive wear of the tooth
• The tooth has a missing enamel
• There are misshaped teeth
• There is a space between the tooth
• The tooth is loose

The tooth is filed down to make room for the crown. However, there must be enough of the tooth left to accommodate the crown. Sometimes the dentist may recommend a root canal to avoid further problems such as a toothache.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can be a removable or a permanent restoration of your teeth. A dental bridge replaces spaces between teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges attach to a healthy and stable tooth or to dental implants and fill in the gaps where teeth are missing.

There are four types of dental bridges. Dr. Nation explains the differences between each type of bridge, the costs, and which one maybe your best option.

• Traditional
• Maryland
• Implant-supported
• Cantilever

A dental bridge is made to attach to crowns on the teeth. First, the dentist places crowns on multiple teeth and brings them together. The bridge provides increased strength and stability for natural teeth. 

Cost of Dental Crowns

Good dental insurance pays a percentage, and you pay the rest. Your total cost depends mainly on the materials you want your crowns made from and the expertise of the lab technician. 

Cost of Dental Bridges

The cost of your dental bridge depends on a variety of factors, such as the material used to make the bridge and the type of bridge you want. Dr. Nation will explain these before the treatment.

Not all dentists do crowns or bridgework. However, Dr. Jennifer Nation has many years of expertise in offering these services. If you have a damaged tooth, don’t hesitate to call us at (909) 300-9044.